Wellington, (Agencies): July 8, 2025 — The Royal New Zealand Air Force has officially entered the military space domain with the reactivation of No. 62 Squadron, marking the country’s first dedicated space unit aimed at protecting vital satellite infrastructure and contributing to global space security.
At an inauguration ceremony held July 4 at Whenuapai Airbase near Auckland, Minister for Space and Defence Judith Collins called the move a “milestone moment,” highlighting the importance of space assets in daily life—from weather forecasting to global communications and financial transactions.
“Space is vital for modern life,” Collins said, adding that the new squadron will play a critical role in safeguarding both national and allied interests.
Initially staffed by 12 personnel, No. 62 Squadron will focus on monitoring and analyzing space activities. According to RNZAF leaders, the unit will grow through collaboration with industry experts and academia, underscoring a long-term commitment to space security.
Air Vice-Marshal Darryn Webb noted New Zealand’s deepening engagement in space defense, including its recent participation in Operation Olympic Defender, a U.S.-led initiative promoting responsible behavior in orbit. The squadron also leads the “Pacific Cell,” a strategic partnership with the U.S., Australia, Japan, and South Korea.
New Zealand’s involvement in international space efforts is not new. It joined the Combined Space Operations initiative in 2015 and contributed to the launch of the WGS-9 satellite in 2017 to secure access to the U.S. military’s Wideband Global SATCOM system. The country is also a regular participant in the Schriever Wargames, a multinational exercise focused on space conflict scenarios.
Originally established in 1943 to provide radar support during World War II, No. 62 Squadron has been reborn with a new mission—and a new motto: “Look to the stars.”