Royal New Zealand Air Force

Royal New Zealand Air Force
Te Tauaarangi o Aotearoa(Māori)
Badge of the Royal New Zealand Air Force
Founded	1913(1913)(first military aviation) 1923(1923)(New Zealand Permanent Air Force) 1 April 1937(1937-04-01)(independent service)
Country	New Zealand
Type	Air force
Role	Aerial warfare
Size	2,388 active personnel 420 reserve personnel 47 aircraft
Part of	New Zealand Defence Force
Headquarters	Wellington
Motto(s)	Per Ardua ad Astra
March	Royal New Zealand Air Force March Past
Anniversaries	1 April 1937
Engagements	World War II Berlin Airlift Malayan Emergency Indonesia–Malaysia Confrontation Korean War Vietnam War Iran–Iraq War Gulf War War in Somalia War in Afghanistan (2001–2021)
Website	airforce.mil.nz
Commanders
Commander-in-Chief	Governor-GeneralDame Cindy Kiro
Chief of the Defence Force	Air MarshalTony Davies
Chief of the Air Force	Air Vice-MarshalAndrew Clark
Deputy Chief of the Air Force	Air CommodoreIan Mower
Insignia
Roundel
Fin flash
Ensign
Aircraft flown
Helicopter	AgustaWestland A109,SH-2G,NH90
Patrol	Boeing P-8
Trainer	T-6 Texan II
Transport	Super King Air,Boeing 757,C-130 Hercules

TheRoyal New Zealand Air Force(RNZAF;Māori:Te Tauaarangi o Aotearoa) is theaerialservice branchof theNew Zealand Defence Force.It was formed initially in 1923 as a branch of theNew Zealand Army,being known as the New Zealand Permanent Air Force, becoming an independent air force on 1 April 1937.

The RNZAF fought inWorld War II,Malaya,theKorean War,Vietnamand theGulf Warand has undertakenUnited Nations peacekeepingmissions. From a peak of over 1,000 combat aircraft in 1945, the RNZAF has shrunk to a strength of around 48 aircraft in 2022. It focuses on maritime patrol and transport duties in support of theRoyal New Zealand Navyand theNew Zealand Army.Its air combat capability ended in 2001, with the disbanding of theA-4 SkyhawkandAermacchi MB-339equipped squadrons.

The Air Force is led by anAir Vice-Marshalwho holds the appointment ofChief of Air Force.The RNZAF motto is the same as that of theRoyal Air Force,Per Ardua ad Astra,meaning "Through Adversity to the Stars".TheMāori languagenameTe Tauaarangi o Aotearoa,meaning "New Zealand Warriors of the Sky" or more literally "The New Zealand War Party of the Sky", was adopted in 2009; the name had beenTe Hokowhitu o Kahurangi( "War Party of the Blue" ) for the previous 12 years.

History

New Zealand's military aviation began in 1913 when the New Zealand Army was presented with twoBlériotmonoplanesby the United Kingdom.Both aircraft were handed back after war broke out.

World War I

In theGreat War,New Zealand aircrew flew as part of theRoyal Flying Corps(British Army), BritishRoyal Naval Air Service,and theAustralian Flying Corps.New Zealand pilots serving with British Empire forces saw service in all theatres. Fifteen becameaces,with the top scorer beingKeith Caldwellhaving, depending on how it is counted, more than 24 victories.

The government assisted two private schools to train pilots for the conflict. The Walsh brothers flying school atAucklandwas founded by Leo andVivian Walsh—pioneers who had made the first controlled flight in New Zealand.From 1915 pilots trained on theWalsh Brothers Flying BoatsincludingCurtissmachines, aircraft of their own design and, later in the war, the first two aircraft made byBoeing.

In 1916 SirHenry Wigramestablished the Canterbury Aviation Company at Sockburn,Christchurch,and purchasedCaudronbiplanes from Britain for pilot training. He gave the aerodrome, laterWigram Aerodrome,to the government for defence purposes.

At the end of the war many New Zealand pilots stayed with the newRoyal Air Forceand several had attained high rank by the outbreak ofWorld War II.Others returned to New Zealand and, serving part-time, provided the nucleus of the New Zealand Permanent Air Force (NZPAF).

New Zealand Permanent Air Force

Supermarine Walrusof the RNZAF's seaplane training flight

At the close of hostilities Great Britain offered anImperial Giftto each of theDominionsof a hundred war-surplus combat aircraft.New Zealand was the last to respond and least enthusiastic.When the 33 total aircraft,Avro 504s,Bristol F.2 Fightersand,De Havillanddesigned,Airco DH.4sandAirco DH.9s,did reach New Zealand they were either placed in storage or loaned to the flying schools,barnstormersand commercial operators.

The importance of aviation in warfare was belatedly recognised, largely thanks to the efforts of visionary parliamentarian SirHenry Wigram.On 14 June 1923 the New Zealand Permanent Air Force was gazetted: a part of the Army initially staffed by a total of four officers and two other ranks as full-time staff, plus the New Zealand Air Force with 102 officers on the Reserve lists.It was initially equipped with the survivingAvro 504K, the DH.4s, DH.9s andBristol Fighters.These operated from an airfield outside Christchurch at Sockburn. In 1926 Wigram donated £2,500 for the purchase of modern fighters andGloster Grebeswere acquired. Sockburn was later renamedRNZAF Station Wigram,a name adopted by the suburb which grew up around the airfield. It is the site of the presentRoyal New Zealand Air Force Museum. A trickle of new-build Bristol Fighters and other new types joined the NZPAF in the late 1920s and early 1930s. ALewis gun-equippedDe Havilland Gipsy Mothfloatplane took part in naval operations against rebels inSamoa.The NZPAF's first action came in 1930 when the Moth dropped an improvised bomb made out of a treacle tin on to a ship suspected of gun-running. The bomb did no damage, and the target turned out to be a local missionary vessel. Aterritorial wingof the New Zealand Air Force was raised in 1930 with three squadrons atRNZAF Station Hobsonville(with flights at Hamilton and Napier),Wellington and Christchurch though without equipment. A fourth squadron planned for Dunedin had not been raised even by July 1939.More creditably,Fairey IIIFs made a dramatic maritime rescue and in the aftermath of theNapier earthquakethe NZPAF flew in urgently needed supplies and medical equipment.

Like other western air arms a major expansion began from the mid-1930s. The NZPAF ordered twelveVickers Vildebeestsin 1933–34 to form two bomber-reconnaissance flights at Hobsonville and Wigram.In 1937 29Blackburn Baffinswere purchased specifically to equip theTerritorial Air Forcefor coastal reconnaissance work. An initial shipment of 16Vickers Vincentbomber-reconnaissance biplanes arrived in July 1939. More modern British types eventually arrived, including significant numbers ofAirspeed Oxfords,Avro 626s,Fairey Gordons.The NZPAF was renamed the Royal New Zealand Air Force in 1934 and became an independent service in 1937.

World War II

The restored Mk IX Spitfire once flown by NZ ace Johnnie Houlton DFC. It was converted to a dual configuration in 1946.

At the outbreak ofWorld War IIthe primary equipment of the RNZAF was to be 30Vickers Wellingtonbombers ordered in 1938. The aircraft were completed, and RNZAF crews were training on them in the UK in 1939; but with the outbreak of war in Europe increasingly likely, the New Zealand government offered the aircraft with their crews to the United Kingdom in August 1939.They becameNo. 75 (New Zealand) Squadron RAFwithin No 3 Group. Many other New Zealanders were serving in theRoyal Air Force.

The primary role of the RNZAF was to take advantage of New Zealand's distance from the conflict by training aircrew as part of theEmpire Air Training Scheme,alongside the other major former British colonies, Canada, Australia and South Africa. For this task large numbers ofde Havilland Tiger Moths,Airspeed OxfordsandNorth American Harvardswere manufactured or assembled locally; second-hand biplanes—such asHawker HindsandVickers Vincents—were also acquired, as well as other types for specialised training such asAvro AnsonsandSupermarine Walruses.Only when Germansurface raidersand Japanese submarines became active was it realised that a combat force would be needed in New Zealand in addition to the trainers.

New Zealanders serving with the RAF

The majority of RNZAF personnel served with RAF units, six RNZAFArticle XV squadrons,which were RNZAF units attached to RAF formations, and the Royal Navy'sFleet Air Arm(FAA). They served in Europe, the Mediterranean, South East Asia and other theatres. Commonwealth personnel under RAF operational control were pooled for operational practicality and many RNZAF airmen also served withRoyal Australian Air ForceorRoyal Canadian Air ForceArticle XV squadrons. New Zealanders in the RAF itself included pilots, such as the first RAF ace of the war, Flying OfficerCobber KainandAlan Deere(whose bookNine Liveswas one of the early post-war accounts of combat); and leaders such as the World War I ace, Air Chief Marshal SirKeith Park,who commandedNo. 11 Group RAFin theBattle of Britainand went on to theair defence of Malta(and, in the closing stages of the war, Commonwealth air units underSouth East Asia Command) and Air Marshal SirArthur ConinghamAir Tactical Commander during theNormandy landingsin June 1944 (Coningham and Park had remained with the RAF after WWI). Three RNZAF pilots were awarded theVictoria Crosswhile serving with the RAF.James Allen Ward,a Sergeant Pilot with75 Squadron,was first, when he climbed out onto the wing of hisVickers Wellingtonbomber to smother an engine fire in flight on 7 July 1941. In 1943 then Wing CommanderLeonard Trentcontinued to lead an extremely hazardous, but vital, attack at the head of487 Squadronuntil every aircraft was shot down. The same year, Flying OfficerLloyd Trigg,serving withNo. 200 Squadron RAFwas piloting aConsolidated B-24 Liberatorbomber when it encountered aU-boaton the surface off the African coast. He attackedU-468but as he did so, the aircraft was hit by the U-boat's anti-aircraft fire and burst into flames. The aircraft continued the attack and sank the U-boat but crashed shortly afterwards, with all the crew being killed. The crew's actions were reported by the U-boat's survivors, and the Victoria Cross was awarded as a result.

The first NZ squadron to serve with the RAF was not strictly an Article XV squadron. No. 75 Squadron RAF was formed by RNZAF aircrews andVickers Wellingtonbombers in August 1939. The squadron later flewShort Stirlings,Avro LancastersandAvro Lincolns.Through accident or design, other RAF units came to be mostly manned by RNZAF pilots, includingNo. 67 Squadron RAF(which aceGeoffrey Fiskenserved with) andNo. 243 Squadron RAFin Singapore,No. 258 Squadron RAFin the UK. SeveralGrumman MartletandGrumman Hellcatunits of the FAA also had New Zealanders in their ranks, leading some texts to claim these types were used by the RNZAF.

New Zealand Article XV Squadrons includedNo. 485,which flewSupermarine Spitfiresthroughout the war;No. 486(Hawker Hurricanes,Hawker TyphoonsandHawker Tempests);No. 487,(Lockheed Venturasandde Havilland Mosquitoes);No. 488,(Brewster Buffaloes,Hurricanes,Bristol Beaufightersand Mosquitoes);No. 489,(Bristol Blenheims,Bristol Beauforts,Handley Page Hampdens,Beaufighters and Mosquitoes); andNo. 490,equipped withConsolidated CatalinasandShort Sunderlands.

RNZAF in the Pacific

P-51D preserved in No. 3 (Canterbury) TAF colours

The presence of German raiders led to the formation of New Zealand-based combat units—initially rearming types, like the Vildebeest, and hurriedly converting impressed airliners, such as thede Havilland DH.86to carry bombs.Lockheed Hudsonswere obtained early in 1941 to take over this role. No. 5 Squadron withVickers VincentsandShort Singaporeswas sent to protect Fiji. In December 1941 Japan attacked and rapidly conquered much of the area to the north of New Zealand. With the apparent threat of imminent invasion New Zealand was forced to look to her own defence, as well as to help the United Kingdom. Trainers and airliners in New Zealand were camouflaged and armed and various types, such as the North American Harvard,Hawker Hind,Airspeed Oxford and even the de Havilland Tiger Moth, formed shadow bomber, army co-operation and fighter squadrons for use in the event of invasion.Hudsons moved forward into the South Pacific while No. 5 Squadron, atRNZAF Station Laucala Bayin Fiji, commenced operations against the Japanese despite its obsolete equipment. In New Zealand preparations intensified and in 1942 three Groups were established to direct air and, if necessary, air defence operations.

The vulnerability of New Zealand toAxis naval activitywas demonstrated when a submarine-launched Japanese float plane overflewWellingtonandAuckland,where it was chased ineffectually by a Tiger Moth. As few combat-capable aircraft were available at home and Britain was unable to help, New Zealand turned to the United States and signed aLend-Leaseagreement.Gradually at first, America was able to supply New Zealand with aircraft for use in the Pacific Theatre— initially, in 1942,Curtiss P-40 Kittyhawksand additional Harvards and Hudsons. Thefall of Singaporeled to some evacuated RNZAF pilots, that had been serving in the RAF there, becoming available in New Zealand. These men provided an experienced nucleus around which new fighter squadrons, the first beingNo. 14 Squadron RNZAFformed at Masterton, were established.

From mid-1943, atGuadalcanal,starting withNo. 15andNo. 14Squadrons, several RNZAF Kittyhawk units fought with distinction. Several pilots became aces against the Japanese, includingGeoff Fisken,the Commonwealth's leading ace in the Pacific war. Other squadrons flew the elderly but effectiveDouglas Dauntlessand, later, the modernGrumman Avengertorpedo bomber. From 12 October 1943, as part ofOperation Cartwheel,RNZAF aircraft joined anallied air campaignagainst Japanese held airfields and the port of Rabaul.

The RNZAF took on a significant part of the maritime reconnaissance task with Catalina (and later Sunderland) flying boats and Hudson bombers.

Geoff Fisken

The role of the RNZAF changed as the allies moved onto the offensive. The Americans, leaders of the Allied nations in the Pacific, planned tobypass major Japanese strongholds,instead capturing a handful of island bases to provide a supply chain for an eventual attack on Japan itself. The Allied advance started from the South Pacific. The RNZAF was part of the force tasked with securing the line of advance by incapacitating bypassed Japanese strongholds, for example, Rabaul.

As the war progressed the older types were replaced with more powerful modern aircraft; Kittyhawks gave way toVought F4U Corsairs,while Hudsons were replaced by Venturas. At the close of war the RNZAF was planning to bring 320North American P-51 Mustangsinto service as part replacement for the F4U.

At its peak, in the Pacific, the RNZAF had 34 squadrons – 25 of which were based outside New Zealand and in action against Japanese forces.Thirteen of these squadrons were equipped with Corsairs six with Venturas, two with Catalinas, two with Avengers and two withDouglas Dakotatransport aircraft. The RNZAF also had a squadron of Dauntless dive bombers, several mixed transport and communications squadrons, a flight of Short Sunderlands and almost 1,000 training machines.To administer units in the South Pacific,No. 1 (Islands) Group RNZAFwas formed, with Air CommodoreSidney Wallingfordas its commander, on 10 March 1943.In addition to this, several hundred RNZAF personnel saw action with RAF squadrons or the FAA in Burma, Singapore and the South Pacific.

By 1945 the RNZAF had over 41,000 personnel, including just over 10,000 aircrew who served with the RAF in Europe and Africa.

Postwar RNZAF

In the post war period the RNZAF dealt progressively with demobilisation and disposal of its large obsolete fleet, rearmament to support theCold War,some loss of training opportunities with the American suspension ofANZUS Treatyobligations in protest at New Zealand becoming a nuclear free zone, social changes which saw women become combat pilots, and the loss of combat capability.

Following theSecond World War,No. 14 Squadron RNZAFwas sent toJapanas part of the occupationJ Force.The rest of the air force rapidly divested itself of aircraft and manpower and settled mainly into training and transport mode before the advent of the rejuvenatedNo. 14 Squadron RNZAFandNo. 75 Squadron RNZAF.

From 1949Compulsory Military Trainingreinvigorated the reserve component of the Air Force. The four Territorial squadrons,No. 1 Squadron RNZAF(Auckland), Wellington, Canterbury andNo. 4 Squadron, Territorial Air Force,atTaieri Aerodrome,were equipped with the 30 Mustangs re-activated from storage, along with a few Tiger Moths and Harvards for each squadron. No. 4 Squadron TAF was active from at least 1951–55. From 1952 to 1957No. 6 Flying Boat Squadronoperated as a Territorial unit at Hobsonville, flying Catalinas and later Sunderlands.

HastingsC.3 of 40 Squadron RNZAF in 1953

AGloster Meteorarrived in 1945, introducing the jet age.The force was equipped from 1946 with thede Havilland Mosquitobefore the arrival ofde Havilland Vampires.Initially used in peacekeeping in Cyprus andSingaporethe Vampires were supplemented by loanedde Havilland Venomsand, later,English Electric Canberras,both of which saw action in theMalayan Emergencyand subsequent confrontation withIndonesia.Internal communications and transport and other services were maintained byNo. 42 Squadron RNZAF.It supported the Army and Navy usingGrumman TBM-1 Avengers,the Territorial Air Force'sNorth American P-51D MustangsandNorth American Harvards,theVIPswithDe Havilland Devons,also used for support, communications and multi-engine conversion training, andDouglas C-47,Douglas DC-6,andHandley Page Hastingsfor VIP and communications support. Nos.5and6Squadrons traded theirlend-leaseCatalinas forShort SunderlandMR5s operating in maritime patrol and search and rescue roles from Hobsonville and Laucala Bay,Fiji.6 Squadron was disbanded while 5 Squadron receivedP-3B Orionsin 1965.

A research flight helped developAerial Topdressing.

In 1957, the Territorial Air Force (TAF) was formally disbanded following a review of New Zealand's local defences.

Cold War

Malayan Emergency

TheMalayan Emergencywas declared by the British government on 18 June 1948 after several rubber plantation workers were killed in a revenge attack over the deaths of labour activists killed in police charges. This led to the creation of theMalayan National Liberation Army(MNLA), a communist guerrilla organisation. New Zealand's first contribution came in 1949, whenC-47 DakotasofRNZAF No. 41 Squadronwere attached to theRoyal Air Force'sFar East Air Force.The C-47s were used to airdrop supplies to British and Malay forces fighting the MNLA, away from their usual station location inHong Kong.By the time the aircraft were withdrawn in late 1951, 211 sorties had been carried out, dropping 284,000 kg of supplies.

Korean War

Although no RNZAF units were sent to Korea, a number of New Zealanders flew with other air forces in the conflict. Two men flewGloster Meteorjets withNo. 77 Squadron RAAF;one,Vance Drummond,was shot down and captured. A New Zealand Army artillery lieutenant was attached to a USAF tactical control unit as an observer in light aircraft. New Zealand bornAlan Boxer,later a British air marshal, flewB-29 Superfortressmissions on USAF attachment. One New Zealander flying in Korea as a lieutenant in the British Royal Navy fromHMSOcean,Cedric Macpherson, was killed on 11 February 1953 when hisHawker Sea Furywas shot down by ground fire. Five New Zealanders took part in Royal Australian Navy missions over Korea from the Australian carrierHMASSydney.Some of these pilots were former RNZAF members, others joining directly the British and Australian forces.

Far Eastern Strategic Reserve (FESR)

In 1955, the RNZAF established bases in Singapore and Malaysia. No. 41 Squadron moved toChangi,while No. 14 Squadron relocated toTengah.These two squadrons represented New Zealand's air contributions to the newly createdFar East Strategic Reserve.

On 1 May 1955, the air force carried out its first strike mission since the end ofWorld War II,and its first withjet aircraft,usingde Havilland VampiresofNo. 14 Squadron RNZAF.In 1955, the squadron was re-equipped withde Havilland Venomsand carried out 115 strike missions.The squadron was replaced in 1958 byNo. 75 SquadronflyingEnglish Electric Canberrasfrom their operational station inTengah.In July 1955No. 41 Squadronreturned toMalayaand resumed supply dropping operations in support of anti-guerrilla forces, this time using theBristol Freighter.Bristol Freighter serial NZ5901 crashed in theCameron Highlandsduring supply drop operations on 10 December 1956. The aircraft flew into a valley and collided with a 4000-footfogshroudedridge.SQNLDR Alexander Tie, FLTOFF William Devescovi, FLTOFF Douglas Nelson and 5 passengers were killed, while a single passenger survived and was later rescued.

Antarctic Flight

The RNZAF Antarctic Flight was formed in 1956 to assist theCommonwealth Trans-Antarctic Expedition,equipped with anAuster Mk.7cpurchased from theUK Air Ministry(NZ1707),De Havilland Canada DHC-3 Otter(NZ6081), and aDe Havilland Canada DHC-2 Beaver(NZ6001, changed to NZ6010 to remove overlapping numbers with an RNZAFGloster Meteor), with hardened and equipped withskis.It helped transport men, dog teams and supplies, and carried out geological mapping over the summers of 1956, 1957 and 1958 before disbanding in 1960. Operations in Antarctica resumed in 1965 when a Hercules flew the first of what have become annual summer flights from Christchurch to the continent. To the present day, the RNZAF operates bothBoeing 757andLockheed C-130 HerculestoPhoenix Airfield.

Post-war Modernisation

The Chief of Air Staff appointed in June 1962 was Air Vice-MarshalIan G. Morrison,who was to oversee the modernisation of the RNZAF.Greener stated that Morrison '..saw the three elements of the Air Force—strike capability, transport, and maritime patrol—as being of equal value, and sought improvements in aircraft in each area. The following aircraft were purchased or put on order.

• Douglas A-4 Skyhawk– Primary Light Attack/Fighter Aircraft
• Lockheed P-3 Orion– Maritime Patrol
• Lockheed C-130 Hercules– Transport Aircraft
• Bell 47– Training Helicopter
• Bell UH-1– Utility Helicopter
• Westland Wasp– Naval based helicopter

Morrisons modernisation programme saw the RNZAF switch primarily from British to American aircraft, reflecting the strategic alliances at the time. The arrival of the Bell 47 introduced the helicopter to the RNZAF.

Confrontation

In 1964 New Zealand began helping Malaysia to fight Indonesia’s attempt to wrest control of the North Borneo territories in what was known asConfrontation.This role, which continued until 1966, saw New Zealand soldiers from 1RNZIR and NZ SAS mount covert cross-border raids into Indonesia. RNZAF flew continuous missions from the RAF base at Changi, Singapore resupplying the Commonwealth forces at the firebases and outposts located on the borders.

Vietnam War

Main article:New Zealand in the Vietnam War

RNZAF UH-1H Huey

From 1962, the primary RNZAF contribution to the Vietnam War wasNo. 40 Squadron RNZAFandNo. 41 Squadron RNZAFproviding troop transport for military and non-military personnel and resupply runs. 40 Sqn flew from New Zealand or from the RAF base in Singapore, usually via Australia, to Vietnam and elsewhere in South East Asia usingLockheed C-130 Herculesfreighters. 41 Sqn flew from Singapore to Hong Kong via South East Asia usingHandley Page Hastings,Bristol 170 Freighters.When the1st Australian Task Forcewas established atNui Datan airfield was built to accommodate the RNZAF freighters so that personnel and supplies could be delivered more directly.

Canberra bombers were deployed in a non combat role, with crew observing American operations, and deploying to South Vietnam to conduct joint training with the USAF.

As 1ATF expanded, in June 1966,No. 9 Squadron RAAFhad gone toSouth Vietnamand based itself atVung Tau,equipped withBell UH-1 Iroquoisaircraft. Politically and operationally, it was advantageous for the RNZAF to assist theRAAF,who were facing a shortage of available pilots. In all, 16 RNZAF officers would serve in operational service inVietnamwithNo. 9 Squadron RAAF.Flight Lieutenant Bill Waterhouse, the RNZAF's only Māori helicopter pilot at the time was killed in January 1969 flying an Iroquois inCanberrawhile preparing for service inSouth Vietnam.

The RNZAF additionally provided assistance in aForward Air Controlrole in Vietnam flying with the USAF 20th Tactical Air Support Squadron atDa Nang Air Base,and USAF 19th Tactical Air Support Squadron atBien Hoa Air BasewithO-1,O-2andOV-10aircraft.

A small detachment of RNZAF ground crew fromNo. 75 Squadron RNZAFwere also attached to aU.S Marine CorpsVMA-311A-4 Skyhawk unit atChu Lai.

RNZAF personnel were numerous in the New Zealand Services Medical Team (NZSMT) and one went on to be part of the subsequent New Zealand Army Training Team (NZATTV.) RNZAF personnel were also posted to HQ V Force and worked primarily in Saigon in a range of liaison duties. One RNZAF member of the NZSMT, Sgt Gordon Watt, was killed by an improvised trap in 1970, the RNZAF's only casualty of the war. A memorial to Watt is on display at theOhakeaBase Medical flight, and there is also the "Gordon Watt Memorial Award" for the RNZAF's top medic award, named in his honour.

Flights to support the medical team atQui Nhonand the New Zealand embassy inSaigoncontinued after the withdrawal of New Zealand ground forces in 1971.

In early April 1975 the squadron established a detachment atTan Son Nhat International Airportnear Saigon to evacuate New Zealand personnel from the country as North Vietnamese forcesrapidly advanced.The last No. 41 Squadron flight out of the country departed on 21 April carrying 38 embassy staff (including the New Zealand Ambassador) and refugees, just prior to thefall of Saigon.

ANZUK, and ANZUS Co-operationFollowing the end of conflict in Vietnam, the RNZAF adopted a stronger maritime focus. Long range surveillance patrols became more frequent in the waters around New Zealand as P-3 Orion crews and Navy Westland Wasp Helicopters hunted for Soviet and Chinese vessels in New Zealand's Exclusive Economic Zone. At the same time, aircrews adopted closer ties with theUnited StatesandAustraliathrough theANZUSalliance. The first overseas deployment of the newA-4 Skyhawksoccurred in 1971 toRAAF Base WilliamtownandHMAS Albatrossin Australia. Skyhawk crews would be supported byHercules,Andover,and laterBoeing 727aircraft to provide ground support crew and allow the setup of mobileTACANstations. Additionally eight single seater Skyhawk's were sent toSingaporeto participate in Exercise Vanguard.Deployments occurred on a regular basis toSingapore,MalaysiaandIndonesia.

The A-4 Skyhawk NZ6206 involved in the Kin Nan Incident, is seen here atClark Air Base,1982.

No. 14 Squadrontook up the role of advanced training. It briefly operated a small number (up to four) of two-seatA-4 Skyhawksand two-seat T.11 Vampires before re-equipping with 16BAC Strikemasterlight attack aircraft in 1972.Bristol Freighters,Douglas DakotasandDe Havilland Devonwere replaced byHawker Siddeley Andoverand second handFokker F-27 Frendships.Additionally, three Boeing 727 aircraft were purchased in 1981 for use as air transport.Cessna 421C Golden Eagleaircraft were also used for transport and VIP duties.

Another major change during this decade was the integration of theWomen's Auxiliary Air Forceinto the Air Force in 1977, removing most restrictions on their employment and career opportunities, with the exception of some aircrew branches.

Throughout the 1970s,RNZAF Ohakeawould also see significant visits from theRoyal Air Force,United States Air ForceandRoyal Australian Air Force.The RNZAF additionally participated in a number of ANZUS joint exercises in this period.

The Kin Nan Incident occurred in March 1976. TheKin Nanwas a Taiwanese squid fishing boat operating illegally withinNew Zealand waters.Following a failure to reply to warning shots and messages from two RNZN Patrol boats, several Skyhawks, were sent to intercept the ship, armed withZunirockets and20mmrounds.A Skyhawk operated by Jim Jennings (NZ6206) fired a 53-round burst at the boat, causing it to stop and allow the Navy to board it.The Skyhawk involved is preserved at theMuseum of Transport & TechnologyinAuckland.

Fourth Labour Government, anti nuclear legislation and ANZUS split

Main article:New Zealand nuclear-free zone

Following the end of the US friendlyMuldoongovernment, and the subsequent election ofDavid Langeand theFourth Labour Government,the RNZAF severed overt military ties with theUnited StatesandUnited Kingdom,with theNew Zealandmilitary reoriented towards moreglobalistand international roles such asUnited Nations peacekeeping.Under theNew Zealand Nuclear Free Zone, Disarmament, and Arms Control Act 1987,territorial sea, land and airspace of New Zealand becamenuclear-free zones.This had a dramatic effect on the efficiencies of the Air Force's combat squadrons. With the lack of opportunities to practice operations skills, it became extremely difficult to maintain pace with the Air Forces New Zealand had traditionally worked with.By the late 1980s, the RNZAF held an active role in United Nations operations in the Sinai Peninsula and Iran. This time period also saw the end of involvement in Singapore. No. 1 Squadron was deactivated in December 1984, and its Andovers were transferred to No. 42 Squadron.

Project Kahu

Main article:Project Kahu

By the 1980s, the Skyhawks were reaching the end of their effective use. A comprehensive upgrade to the Skyhawk began, along with the purchase of used A-4G Skyhawks from theRoyal Australian Navy.The Skyhawk upgrade included a new radar,HOTAScontrols,glass cockpitwithHUDand newinertial navigation system.The aircraft also received armament upgrades including the capability to fireAIM-9L Sidewinders,AGM-65 MavericksandGBU-16 Paveway IIlaser-guided bombs.The cost of the project was NZ$140 million and gave the RNZAF Skyhawks the electronic “eyes and ears” of a modern fighter aircraft such as theF-16 Fighting FalconorF/A-18 Hornet.To complement these upgrades, 18 newAermacchi MB-339were introduced as an advanced jet trainer, replacing theBritish Aerospace Strikemaster.

Post-Cold War

RNZAFBoeing 727in 2001.

The 50th anniversary of the RNZAF was celebrated with a gold painted Skyhawk and large scale formations withSkyhawksandStrikemasters.An airshow at RNZAF Ohakea was held, with visiting aircraft from theRoyal Air ForceandRoyal Australian Air Force.

In February 1991No. 2 Squadronwas reformed, then relocated toHMASAlbatrossin Australia with the updated Kahu Skyhawks to provide theAustralian Defence Force,particularly theRoyal Australian Navy,with Air Defence Support, participating in exercises with RAN warships. The squadron was equipped with two A-4K and four TA-4K aircraft supported by 50 to 60 personnel. No. 2 Squadron continued to provide air defence training to the ADF until November 2001.

The end of theCold Warsaw dramatic changes in the composition of the RNZAF. With government policies from theFourth Labour Governmenturging to reduce public spending, the RNZAF began to consolidate its facilities, led by Minister of DefenceBob Tizard.The Air Force Stores Depot atTe Rapawas closed in 1992, with redevelopment intoThe Base Shopping Centre.On 14 September 1995, the closing parade was held for the first RNZAF airfield,RNZAF Station Wigramin Christchurch.The support baseRNZAF Shelly Bay,located on Wellington's Miramar peninsula, also closed. The helicopter and former seaplane baseRNZAF Hobsonvillewas sold toHousing New Zealand,and is being redeveloped as a residential area by the Hobsonville Land Company.Both Wigram andHobsonvilllehave been redeveloped into housing areas, while Shelly Bay remains abandoned. Following the neoliberal ideology of the 1990s, non core activities such as maintenance and food catering have been privatized and contracted out. Despite the reduction in budget and manpower, international deployments by the Air Force were expanded.During the Gulf War, two Hercules and personnel ofNo. 40 Squadronwere deployed to the Gulf War, where they operated as part of a Royal Air Force Hercules Squadron.No. 2 Squadron RNZAFcontinued service atNowrainNew South Wales,Australia,providing training for theRoyal Australian Navyand conversion for RNZAF Skyhawk pilots. No. 42 Squadron spent five months deployed in Somalia, with three Andover transport planes. Humanitarian airlifts were conducted by Hercules and Boeing aircraft ofNo. 40 Squadronin the Middle East andRwanda.No. 40 Squadronalso provided air transport support to theNZ Armycontingent inBosnia.

The RNZAF had a sizeable involvement in theBougainville conflict,involving C-130 transport aircraft UH-1 Iroquois, and Westland Wasp helicopters. Aircraft also supported several UN missions such asUNTAETwhile carrying out peacetime tasks for governmental and civilian purposes.

Westland Wasphelicopters were replaced with KamanSH-2 Seaspritehelicopters, awaiting further orders ofSH-2G Super Seasprites.

21st century

Air Combat Force Disbandment

See also:RNZAF Air Combat Force Disbandment

In 1999, theNational Governmentselected an order of 28F-16A/B aircraft to replace the fleet of A-4 Skyhawks but this procurement was cancelled in 2001 following election by the incomingLabour GovernmentunderHelen Clark.This was followed by the disbanding ofNo 2andNo 75Skyhawk squadrons and theNo 14Aermacchisquadron, removing the RNZAF's air combat capability.Subsequently, most of the RNZAF's fighter pilots left New Zealand to serve in theRoyal Australian Air Forceand theRoyal Air Force.By 2003 the RNZAF was reduced to a total of 53 aircraft and 2,523 personnel (including civilian employees).

In 2005 the Ministry of Defence selected theNH90helicopterto replace the RNZAF's ageing fleet of 14UH-1H Iroquois.The NZ government allocated NZ$550 million to replace the Iroquois andBell 47(Sioux) training helicopters.In November 2011, a private defence contractor in the United States,Draken International,purchased eight of the stored RNZAF A-4K Skyhawks and nine of the Aermacchi MB-339s.The aircraft are utilised for commercial air services as an adversary squadron.

New Zealand took an option to purchase C-130J Hercules from Lockheed Martin as a part of an Australian purchase in the late 1990s but following the 1999 election the new Labour government decided not to proceed with the purchase. Instead a NZD$226m service life extension programme (LEP) was arranged with L3Spar AerospaceofCanadain 2004.The LEP will see the C-130 Hercules with the most flying hours in the world remain in use until about 2025.

Since 2001, RNZAF P-3K Orions and C-130 Hercules have made periodic deployments in support ofOperation Enduring Freedomand theInternational Security Assistance Forcein Afghanistan.

RNZAF NH90

The Naval Support Flight was separated from 3 Squadron to re-form 6 Squadron in October 2005. In October 2007 the government announced it had selected theAgusta A109as the preferred replacement for the Sioux helicopters.Chief of Air Force, Air Vice-MarshalGraham Lintott,said the A109 "will provide an effective platform to train aircrew in basic helicopter operations plus the advanced skills required to operate both the SH-2 Seasprite and the NH90 helicopter that will come into service in 2010."

In 2008 the Defence Minister expressed the desire to return to service all 17 Aermacchi trainers to supplement Army and Navy operations.Prime MinisterJohn Keysaid at the time that it was extremely unlikely that any jet training would be restored in 2010.

2010 Anzac Day Iroquois crash and operational failings

Three servicemen ofNo. 3 Squadron RNZAFwere killed, and a fourth seriously injured when their Iroquois NZ3806 crashed in heavy fog, while travelling in a group of two other aircraft the early morning fromRNZAF Base OhakeatoWellington,as part of a flypast for theAnzac Day dawn service.The Iroquois crashed into steep terrain nearPukerua Bay,located in the hills above theCentennial Highway,about 40 km northeast of Wellington.Flight lieutenantHayden Madsen,flying officerDaniel Gregory andcorporalBenjamin Carson were killed in the accident, whilesergeantStevin Creeggan sustained serious injuries and was required to be sent toWellington Hospitalfor treatment.Rescue operations and recovery of the bodies were conducted by anotherUH-1Haircraft from No. 3 Squadron RNZAF, as well as a Wellington Westpac Rescue HelicopterBK117,although efforts were hampered by the heavy fog in the area.

ANZAC services around the country made special mention of the accident. Prime MinisterJohn Keyreported the news to crowds atAnzac Cove,stating:"Our thoughts and our heartfelt condolences go out to the families of the lost, along with the servicemen and women of the Royal New Zealand Air Force, as they mourn the loss of three good mates."A full military funeral service withguard of honourwas held for the three fallen servicemen atRNZAF Base Ohakea.The Court of Inquiry found that a number of factors had created an environment where the crew had underestimated operating risks and, consequently, undertook inadequate preparation, particular in regards to the use ofnight vision equipment,and preparing forinclement weather.The current advent ofinstrument meteorological conditionswas thought to have resulted in an overload of crew capacity, compounded with low flying experience and training deficiencies in the RNZAF as a whole.The air force's accident report cited training problems particularly in regards to instrument flying and night vision goggles, with the lack of instructor manuals or guides due to resourcing and logistical issues. Several issues with thechain of commandand restrictions of operating inWellingtonairspace were also highlighted. It also found there was a culture of "rule breaking" among No. 3 Squadron. Furthermore, the analysis report stated that the need to minimize accommodation costs incurred by No. 3 Squadron due to pressure on the Air Force budget contributed to the decision to fly early in the morning, rather than during daylight hours of the previous day.

After suffering serious injuries from the crash,sergeantStevin Creeggan returned to service in January 2011. However, after claiming poor support, and an unsupportive culture of assistance and medical care, Creeggan left the Air Force in 2014.in 2014, theNew Zealand Defence Forcepleaded guilty on failing to provide an adequately safe workplace in a private prosecution taken by Creeggan, and ordered to pay a total reparation of $90,000Creeggan told the Wellington District Court of his injuries and health problems, as well assurvivor's guilt.Lawyer Tim MacKenzie said that the Air Force had failed to ensure the crew had sufficient training and experience, allowing a lax culture, which may have led personnel to believe they could cut corners. Defence Force lawyer, Nigel Luci-Smith, said it accepts it failed to prevent the tragedy, additionally stating that theNew Zealand Defence Forceunreservedly apologises to the men and their families and the people of New Zealand for the short-comings that failed to prevent loss of life and the injuries to Sergeant Creeggan.

Humanitarian activities

RNZAF C-130H Hercules of No. 40 Squadron

In recent years the RNZAF has been involved in a number of domestic incidents, especially natural disasters that have hit the region.

• Following the2009 Samoa earthquake and tsunamithe RNZAF deployed several P-3 Orions initially to assess the damage and search for bodies in the immediate aftermath of the incident. The day after the tsunami aC-130Hercules carrying mobilemorgues,medical staff and supplies to the area helped with recovery efforts. Following this the RNZAF worked closely with theRoyal Australian Air Force(RAAF), theUS NavyandUS Air Forceto provide airlifts and supply drops for several weeks after the disaster. RNZAF also provided assistance on the ground in bothSamoaandTonga.The RNZAF andAir New Zealandalso arranged for the evacuation of all tourists from Samoa toAuckland.
• In the aftermath of the2010 Canterbury earthquakeon 4 September 2010 a C-130 Hercules transported Search and Rescue Teams fromWhenuapai Air BasetoChristchurchthat morning to aid in relief efforts. This was followed later in the afternoon by the deployment from Ohakea Air Base of two Iroquois Helicopters which provided aerial reconnaissance and damage assessments. Due to disrupted supplies atChristchurch Airportan RNZAF fuel tanker was also despatched from Ohakea Air Base to supply these aircraft.
• Responding to the February2011 Christchurch earthquakethe RNZAF deployed three C-130 Hercules, twoBoeing 757s,aP-3 Orion,threeBeechcraft B200aircraft and threeBell UH-1Hhelicopters to assist the people of Christchurch. The aircraft flew around the clock to deploy police and medical personnel. C-130s and B757s also acted as aero-medical aircraft and evacuated victims and tourists toWellingtonand Auckland in theNorth Island.This was the single biggest movement of personnel and freight by the RNZAF in its history. C-130s from the RAAF andRSAFwere also deployed to the area and worked in conjunction with the RNZAF.
• In December 2011 theRussianfishing vesselSpartastruck an iceberg in theRoss Sea,RNZAF C-130s made two flights from New Zealand toMcMurdo StationinAntarctica,air-dropping supplies to the crewen route.
• In 2013 the RNZAF sent one C-130 Hercules to the Philippines after a hurricane for disaster relief and evacuation of locals.
• Following the disappearance of Malaysian Airlines flightMH-370in March 2014, an RNZAF P-3K2 Orion was deployed toRAAF Base Butterworthto assist with the search for theBoeing 777.The Orion aircraft and crew was then re-tasked and conducted their operations fromRAAF Base PearcenearPerth,Western Australia,searching the Southern Indian Ocean forMH-370alongside other international aircraft and crews.
• To safeguard trade routes from the threat of piracy, a P-3K2 Orion was deployed to the Middle East from July 2014 until December 2015. The Orion conducted anti-piracy and maritime surveillance activities in support of the Combined Maritime Forces coalition in the region.
• Responding toCyclone Winstonthat devastatedFijiin February 2016 the RNZAF deployed a P-3 Orion, C-130 Hercules and Boeing 757, and two NH-90s aboardHMNZSCanterbury.Specialist NZ Fire Service teams and NZ Army engineers flew to Fiji in the Boeing 757.
• In response to the2016 Kaikōura earthquakethe magnitude 7.8 earthquake devastatedNorth CanterburyandKaikōura.The RNZAF deployed four NH-90 helicopters, C-130 Hercules, and a P-3K2 Orion for survey damage. The RNZAF NH-90s were tasked with evacuating over 1000 tourists and transporting food and supplies to the town of Kaikōura and surrounding areas. TheUS NavyandRoyal Malaysian Air Forcealso offered helicopters to assist with the evacuation of tourists and transportation of rescue personnel. Nearly 200 people had been airlifted out of Kaikōura by late evening on 15 November, with about 1,000 still to be evacuated on the following morning.
• Following theFall of Kabulon 15 August 2021, the New Zealand Government dispatched a singleC-130 Herculesplane (NZ7005) with a contingent of troops to assist in the evacuation of New Zealand citizens and Afghans who had aided theNZDFfromKabul'sHamid Karzai International Airport.On 26 August, the RNZAF suspended its evacuation flights following the2021 Kabul airport attacks.By 28 August, the NZDF had evacuated 370 people from Afghanistan to theUnited Arab Emirates,awaiting further transportation.

Active bases and facilities

Main article:List of New Zealand military bases

Auckland

Woodbourne

Ohakea

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RNZAF Air Bases

Air bases

• RNZAF Base Auckland,Auckland.
• RNZAF Base Ohakea,Bulls,Manawatū.
• RNZAF Base Woodbourne,Blenheim,Marlborough.

Support facilities

• Air Movements Rongotai,Wellington International Airport,Wellington.
• Air Movements Harewood,Christchurch International Airport,Christchurch.

Training areas

• Kaipara Bombing Range,Kaipara,Auckland.
• Raumai Bombing Range,Ohakea,Manawatū.
• RNZAF Dip Flat,Nelson Lakes.

Museums

• Air Force Museum of New Zealand,Wigram,Christchurch.

Structure

Main article:Structure of the Royal New Zealand Air Force

The RNZAF's force operates in conjunction with the rest of theNew Zealand Defence Force.The chain of command runs from Defence Force headquarters in central Wellington toHeadquarters Joint Forces New Zealand(HQ JFNZ) atTrenthaminUpper Hutt.Under the Commander Joint Forces New Zealand (a rear admiral, air vice-marshal, or major general, depending on rotation) is the Air Component Commander, anAir Commodore.The RNZAF is divided into three commands:

Air Component Command

Responsible for command, training and generation of all flying training and all Air Force organisations, assigned to enable New Zealand's following capabilities:

• Air Surveillance and Response
• Naval Air Support
• Strategic, theatre and tactical air mobility capability.

RNZAF Base Auckland

• No. 6 Squadron–SH-2 Super Seasprite
• No. 40 Squadron–C-130 Hercules,Boeing 757
• No. 230 (Mission Support) Squadron– Headquarters for the Intelligence and Communications sections
• RNZAF Parachute Training and Support Unit
• Operations Squadron

RNZAF Base Ohakea

• No. 3 Squadron–NH90,AW109
• No. 5 Squadron–P-8 Poseidon
• No. 14 Squadron–T-6 Texan II
• No. 42 Squadron–King Air 350
• Central Flying School–T-6 Texan II
• RNZAF Historic Flight
• Operations Squadron

Air Staff

Provides advice and staff support to the Chief of Air Force, enabling them to command the RNZAF, and fulfil prescribed responsibilities to the Chief of Defence Force for the implementation of approved policy and plans. Air Staff comprises

• Office of Strategy Management
• Training and Support
• Directorate of Air Force Safety and Health
• Directorate of Career Management
• Directorate of Engineering and Technical Airworthiness
• Air Force Museum of New Zealand

RNZAF Base Woodbourne

• Command and Recruit Training Squadron
• Command Training School
• Technical Training Squadron
• Aircraft Repair Depot
• NZDF Physical Instructors Training School
• Directorate of Defence Security
• Mission Support Training Squadron
• Airbus

Defence Logistics Command

Defence Logistics Command personnel are spread across the three air force bases. They provide a range of services needed to sustain aircraft on deployment. Defence Logistics Command is organised into the following areas:

• Quality Management Office
• Material Support Wings
• Maintenance Wings
• Business Support Units

Current inventory

An AW109 lifts off fromRNZAF Base Ohakea

Aircraft	Origin	Type	Variant	In service	Notes
Maritime Patrol
Boeing P-8	United States	ASW /patrol		4
Transport
Boeing 757	United States	Transport		2
C-130 Hercules	United States	tactical airlifter	C-130H	3
C-130J Super Hercules	United States	Tactical airlifter	C-130J-30		5 on order
Helicopters
NHIndustries NH90	France/Italy	Utility / transport		8	A 9th airframe is used forparts
SH-2G Super Seasprite	United States	ASW/patrol		5	3 airframes withdrawn for parts
AgustaWestland AW109	Italy	Light utility		5
Trainer Aircraft
T-6 Texan II	United States	Trainer	T-6C	11
Super King Air	United States	Multi-engine trainer	350	4

Previous aircraft operated were thede Havilland Vampire,BAC Strikemaster,A-4K Skyhawk,CT-4 Airtrainer,Bristol Type 170,C-47 Dakota,Auster Autocar,Airspeed Consul,Boeing 727,Short Sunderland,Airspeed Oxford,Westland Wasp,Bell 47G,and theBell UH-1

Display teams

Black Falcons

Main article:Black Falcons

RNZAF T-6 Texan of No. 14 Squadron

The Black Falcons are the current aerobatic display team of the Royal New Zealand Air Force, replacing their predecessor "The Red Checkers". In January 2016 theCentral Flying School (CFS)began flying 11Beechcraft T-6 Texan II,sharing the aircraft withNo. 14 Squadron.The team is made up of Qualified Flying Instructors of the Central Flying School and No.14 Squadron. The bulk of the team generally come from CFS, with the Team Leader (Falcon 1) normally also holding the post of Officer Commanding Central Flying School. The new team's first display was scheduled for the 2017Wings over Wairarapaairshow, but bad weather caused the displays to be cancelled. Instead the first display was held at the RNZAF 80th Anniversary Air Tattoo at the team's home base,RNZAF Base Ohakea,the following week.

Air Force Heritage Flight

The Air Force Heritage Flight of New Zealand is a collaborative partnership between the RNZAF and a number of civil organisations created in 2022. Its purpose is to operate heritage aircraft that are relevant to the history and traditions of the air force. Replacing the RNZAF Historic Flight, the air force provides pilots to fly a number of aircraft for the purposes of conducting flypasts and displays around New Zealand.

Heritage Flight aircraft

Aircraft	Origin	Type	Variant	In service	Notes
North American T-6 Harvard	United States	Trainer	T-6 Mk III	1 (NZ1037)
de Havilland Tiger Moth	British Empire	Trainer	DH.82a	1 (NZ662)
Supermarine Spitfire	British Empire	Fighter	LF Mk. IX E	1 (PV270)
Grumman TBM Avenger	United States	Torpedo bomber	TBM-3E	1 (NZ2518)
North American P-51	United States	Fighter	NA P-51D	1 (NZ2423)

Previous display teams

• RNZAF Historic Flight
• Black Falcons
• Red Checkers
• Kiwi Red
• RAGNSBQGAT
• Jetobatics
• Yellow Hammers

Symbols, flags and emblems

A member of the RNZAF Parachute Training and Support Unit trails the paratrooper flag during the air show at Whenuapai in March 2009.

TheRNZAF ensignwas approved in 1939, based on the ensign of the Royal Air Force, with the letters "NZ" inserted within the roundel. Until the 1950s NZPAF and RNZAF aircraft flew withRoyal Air Force roundels;sometimes only the "NZ" prefix to theserialnumber revealed its nationality within theCommonwealth.A whitekiwiorsilver fernon a black background or aNew Zealand flagfrequently appeared on RNZAF aircraft, and also on RAF aircraft with NZ aircrew. Map outlines of New Zealand with a Kiwi superimposed appeared on the tails ofCanberrasflown from Singapore in theMalayan Emergency;Venomsused in the conflict had a white kiwi on a black tail.

From the mid-1950s RNZAF roundels were modified by a fern frond within the inner red circle. Several colours were tried, including green, gold and finally white. The first two were too difficult to spot and the last looked too much like awhite featherthat further attempts with ferns were dropped and the Kiwi bird was adopted at the end of the 1960s. To assist camouflage in the 1980s the white was sometimes eliminated, giving a red kiwi within a blue circle (e.g. onHercules,AermacchisandSkyhawks). The kiwi roundel is now frequently a black circle around a black kiwi (Hercules,Iroquois) or two-tone grey (Orion,Sea Sprite). The nose is always forward and on wings the legs are inwards, towards to the fuselage.

Ranks and uniform

RNZAF rank titles and uniform remain similar to the Royal Air Force. The rank structure of the RNZAF was established within the context of the desire to ensure that the service remained separate from both the Army and Navy. The rank structure came to be:

• Junior Ranks:Recruit, Aircraftman, Leading Aircraftman
• Non-Commissioned Officers:Corporal, Sergeant, Flight Sergeant, Warrant Officer
• Commissioned Officers:Officer Cadet, Pilot Officer, Flying Officer, Flight Lieutenant, Squadron Leader, Wing Commander, Group Captain, Air Commodore, Air Vice-Marshal, Air Marshal

The service dress uniform is deep blue in colour with light blue coloured rank worn on the sleeves of the uniform. There are many variations of the uniform that personnel wear during the course of their duties. Since 2010 the shoulder identifier says "ROYAL NEW ZEALAND AIR FORCE"; this was to correct a perceived confusion with the uniform of the New Zealand Police, despite many other more obvious differences.

In 2022 the RNZAF selected the multi terrain pattern (NZMTP) uniform for all ground trades. The uniform was selected to replace the General Purpose Uniform (GPU) that had been in service since 2015. GPU was deemed ineffective for a number of reasons, one that it was not suitable for overseas operations due to having no camouflage pattern, and secondly due to its heat retention in warmer climates.

In 2016 as part of the Air Warrior project, aircrew began triallingMultiCamuniform to replace the DPM variant they have been using since the late 1980s. Trials for the uniform will be completed in 2016. For all flying duties aircrew wear a Nomex flame retardant green coloured one or two piece flight suit. Operations to a desert environment see aircrew wear a sand coloured version of the green uniform.

Aircrew flying badges and uniform name patches

RNZAF badges closely follow the style inherited from the Royal Air Force, with a badge worn on the left breast. A key difference is that pilot's wings bear the lettersNZrather thanRAF,and that the single wing of other aircrew still have the letters of the trade they represent.

RNZAF Flying Badge

Flying badges

Crew designation	Details	Active	Retired
Pilot	NZ lettering	1923
Air Warfare Officer Air Warfare Specialist	AW lettering	2007
Engineer	E lettering	1942
Loadmaster	LM lettering	1970
Air Ordnanceman	AO lettering	1966	2023
Helicopter Loadmaster	HL lettering	2016
Flight Steward	FS lettering	1980
Parachute Jump Instructor	Parachute patch	1963
Helicopter Crewman	HC lettering	1966	2016
Navigator	N lettering	1942	2007
Air Bomber	B lettering
Electronics Operator	AE lettering	1966	2007
Air Quartermaster	QM lettering	1965	1970
Air Signaller	S lettering	1948	1977
Air Gunner	AG lettering	1939	1953
Observer	O letter outline	1934	1942

Rank structure and insignia

Main article:New Zealand military ranks

Rank group	General/Flag/Air officers										Senior officers						Junior officers
Royal New Zealand Air Force
	Marshal of the RNZAF				Air marshal		Air vice-marshal		Air commodore		Group captain		Wing commander		Squadron leader		Flight lieutenant		Flying officer			Pilot officer

Requires addition of Air Chief Marshal although this is not used in New Zealand along with Marshal of the RNZAF

Rank group	Senior NCOs																						Junior NCOs						Enlisted
Royal New Zealand Air Force
	Warrant Officer								Flight Sergeant		Sergeant												Corporal						Leading Aircraftman						Aircraftman

Future of the RNZAF

The Royal New Zealand Air Force has a number of plans to modernise its fleet and improve its capabilities. These are described in the Defence Capability Plan 2019 and the Major Projects Report 2020.The primary focus for further investments in defence capability will be the replacement of existingmaritime surveillanceand transport capability. These two aspects represent the bulk of RNZAF capability. Following the replacement of these aircraft, facilities and systems, the focus of increased investment will be on delivering greater effectiveness for government objectives. While several projects are underway, the financial restrictions bought by the COVID-19 pandemic, global and national economic downturn, the future of several of these projects are in doubt.

Although discussed in the media and defence circles from time to time, there are currently no plans to re-instate the strike wing under the 2019 Defence Capability Plan. The strike wing was disbanded under theLabour Governmentin 2001 without replacement of theA-4 SkyhawkandAermacchi MB-339aircraft.

Future Air Mobility Capability

New Zealand took an option to purchaseC-130J Herculesfrom Lockheed Martin as a part of an Australian purchase in the late 1990s but following the 1999 election the new Labour government under Helen Clark decided not to proceed with the purchase, choosing to perform a life extension programme for the existing C-130H aircraft. New Zealand possesses some of the earliest C-130H Hercules off the Lockheed production line, with the most recorded flying hours in the world remaining in use.

In September 2017, theNational Partyled government approved the Future Air Mobility Capability project to identify options for an affective and flexible air transport capability that would be able to support the armed forces operations. Several aircraft were considered, with various aircraft performing demonstration visits including theAirbus A400M Atlas,Boeing C-17 Globemaster III,Embraer KC-390 Millennium,Kawasaki C-2,and Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules.

In June 2019 the Lockheed Martin C-130J-30 Hercules was identified due to its mature platform, and flexibility and continuity with the RNZAF's existing fleet of aircraft. On 5 June 2020 the Government announced that a fleet of five C-130J-30s would replace the current fleet ofC-130H Herculesoperated by the Royal New Zealand Air Force for tactical airlift operations. The C-130J had been selected as the preferred platform in 2019 and the aircraft and a full mission flight simulator are being acquired through the United StatesForeign Military Sales(FMS) process. Deliveries were scheduled to commence in 2024, with all five aircraft in country by mid-2025. The first aircraft was delivered on 8 August 2024 at Lockheed Martin's facility inMarietta, Georgia.

The two Boeing 757 aircraft operated by the Air Force are in severe need of replacement, due to significant technical and operational issues. However, due to financial constraints, a replacement is not scheduled until at least 2028.The capability will be able to move personnel and cargo within the South Pacific, to Antarctica, and in support of coalition operations further afield, supporting missions from humanitarian and disaster relief to operations in high-risk conflict zones.

In early March 2024, problems with one of the RNZAF's two Boeing 757's nose landing gear systems delayedPrime MinisterChristopher Luxon's state visit toMelbourneto meetASEANleaders. Since the second Boeing 757 was unavailable due to scheduled maintenance in Christchurch, Luxon was forced to travel on a commercial flight. Defence MinisterJudith Collinsdescribed the situation as embarrassing but admitted there was no money to replace the Air Force's jets or lease replacement aircraft due to an ongoing cost of living crisis. Collins also announced that a review of the Defence Force's capabilities would be brought forward from September to June 2024.

On 16 June 2024, an RNZAF's Boeing 757 jet sustained two broken fuses while refuelling atPort MoresbyinPapua New Guinea.The plane was carrying a 52-strong business and media delegation toJapanled by Prime Minister Luxon. Over 30 companies were represented in the delegation includingAir New Zealand,ANZ Bank,Fonterra,Silver Fern Farms,ZespriandRocket Lab.Luxon took a commercial flight toTokyowhile Air New Zealand diverted a plane to carry the rest of the delegation to Japan.Following the breakdown of the Boeing 757, former Defence MinisterWayne Mappcalled on the Government to purchase new planes for the RNZAF.

Enhanced Maritime Awareness Capability

The Enhanced Maritime Awareness Capability project will support the Government's maritime security strategy, providing air surveillance capabilities in New Zealand'sExclusive Economic Zoneand the Southern Ocean. This additional capability will free up the newBoeing P-8A Poseidonmaritime patrol aircraft fleet to fly more missions in the South Pacific and further afield. Investment in a range of capabilities will be considered, including satellites, unmanned aerial vehicles and traditional fixed-wing aircraft.

See also

• Military history of New Zealand
• List of squadrons of the RNZAF
• List of aircraft of the Royal New Zealand Air Force and Royal New Zealand Navy
• List of individual weapons of the New Zealand armed forces
• List of New Zealand military bases
• RNZAF Security Forces
• List of World War I aces from New Zealand
• List of former Royal New Zealand Air Force stations
• New Zealand Air Training Corps
• Disbandment of the RNZAF air combat force
• Air Force Museum of New Zealand
• New Zealand Defence College
• Black Falcons

Bibliography

• Bentley, Geoffrey (1969).RNZAF – A Short History(Hardback). Wellington: A.H. & A. W. Reed.
• Dawson, Bee (2017)Laucala Bay: The Story of the RNZAF in Fiji 1939 to 1967(Softback), Random House,ISBN9780143770381
• Hewson, Brian J. (1999).Goliath's apprentice: The Royal New Zealand Air Force and the United States in the Pacific war, 1941–1945(PDF)(Thesis). Christchurch: University of Canterbury.
• Lambert, Max (ed.): 1989 Air New Zealand Almanac,New Zealand Press Association,1988,ISSN0112-2444
• McClure, Margaret (2012).Fighting Spirit – 75 Years of the RNZAF(Hardback). Auckland: Random House.ISBN978-1-86979-610-5.
• Sanders, James:A Long Patrol, An Illustrated History of No 1 Squadron RNZAF,1986, Century Hutchinson, Auckland,ISBN0-09-163600-0.
• Spencer, Alex M (2020).British Imperial Air Power: The Royal Air Forces and the Defense of Australia and New Zealand Between the World Wars.Indiana: Purdue University Press.ISBN978-1-55753-940-3.

External links

• Official website
• "Farewell flypast by venerable air-force Orions".Stuff (Fairfax). 2023.