Defence Minister Judith Collins said there was "no point having the latest kit if the systems and the people that use them aren't well protected". Photo: Nick Monro
The government is putting $50 million into boosting the Defence Force's protection from cyber threats.
It arises from the defence capability plan for spending $12 billion by 2029 to buy and operate new military equipment.
Defence Minister Judith Collins said there was "no point having the latest kit if the systems and the people that use them aren't well protected".
Three New Zealand companies would be taken on to build software, as well as the NZDF hiring more military cyber specialists.
This, the first stage of cyber protection upgrades, "proves once again we are moving at pace to deliver the DCP for a modern, combat-capable NZDF", Collins said in a statement on Tuesday.
"This investment is essential to ensure the NZDF can continue to defend its networks, platforms and systems against ever-present and constantly evolving cyber threats in operational situations."
It comes shortly after media reports over the Tasman that plans for Australia's new $8 billion Redback infantry fighting vehicles have been stolen by Iran-backed hackers in a cyber attack on Israeli arms companies.
The Redbacks are being made in South Korea with a turret made by Israeli company Elbit Systems.
