The Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) established its first dedicated space unit on July 4, 2023, with the reactivation of No. 62 Squadron at Whenuapai airbase in Auckland.

During the inauguration ceremony, New Zealand’s Minister for Space Judith Collins, who also oversees Defense, emphasized the importance of space for modern life. Notable attendees included Chief of Defence Force Air Marshal Tony Davies and Chief of Air Force Air Vice-Marshal Darryn Webb. Collins stated, “We rely on space-based infrastructure for a range of critical services, from weather observation to financial transactions.”

The primary focus of the new squadron will be monitoring, analyzing, and understanding space activity to safeguard both national and international interests. Webb announced that New Zealand has recently joined the U.S.-led Operation Olympic Defender, a multinational space defense initiative that includes seven nations, thus giving the country a voice regarding responsible behavior in space.

According to Air Commodore Andy Scott, the air component commander at Headquarters Joint Forces New Zealand, the squadron will initially consist of 12 personnel, with plans for growth to include collaboration with industry and academia. The squadron is currently collaborating with the U.S. Space Force on the Pacific Cell initiative, which involves cooperation with Australia, Japan, and the Republic of Korea.

New Zealand has been engaged in space-related matters for at least a decade, having joined the Combined Space Operations (CSpO) military initiative in July 2015. This initiative includes Australia, Canada, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the U.S. In March 2017, the country contributed funding alongside Canada, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg to launch a satellite (WGS-9) for military access to the Wideband Global Satellite constellation.

Furthermore, New Zealand participates in the annual Schriever Wargames run by the U.S. Space Force, which involve multiple countries including Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Norway, and the United Kingdom. These drills assess policy, legal, and operational responses to potential space security challenges.

Originally formed in 1943, No. 62 Squadron has historical significance, having provided radar operations for allied forces in the Pacific, particularly during the Guadalcanal campaign, until its deactivation in October 1944. The motto of the new squadron is “Look to the stars.”

Nick Lee-Frampton is the New Zealand correspondent for Defense News.