New Zealand Defence ForceGovernment

The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) is the unified armed forces of New Zealand, comprising the Royal New Zealand Navy, the New Zealand Army, and the Royal New Zealand Air Force. Its primary mandate is to protect the nation's territorial integrity, protect maritime resources, conduct search and rescue operations, and support international peacekeeping and humanitarian missions. Formed in its modern unified structure by the Defence Act 1990, its military roots trace back to early colonial volunteer militias and pivotal service across both World Wars.