Defence Force

With the breaking of a wine bottle and an official word from the prime minister, the country's newest military vessel has been officially commissioned.

Afghan villagers at the centre of the Operation Burnham Inquiry may finally get a chance to have their voices heard in person.

Two New Zealand spitfire pilots and a radar operator who took part in the Normandy beach landings were in the crowd today marking the 75th anniversary of the event.

Popular culture tends to portray D-Day as an American event - but around 10,000 New Zealanders played a part in the landings 75 years ago today that changed the course of World War II.  

A Norwegian sailor who activated his distress beacon about 2800km northeast of New Zealand in the Pacific Ocean has been found.

New Zealand Vietnam War veterans are calling for more help as they face health issues they say are related to their war service.

The first known dog to serve this country in war will be honoured at a ceremony at the National Army Museum in Waiouru today.

It's costing the Defence Force $2.3 billion to replace old Orion planes, and an announcement on what will replace the Hercules is expected soon.

The Defence Force is warning that keeping its ageing Hercules transports and Orion surveillance planes in the air is a continuing financial burden.

Investigative journalist Nicky Hager has told an inquiry the military breached the Rules of Engagement in Afghanistan.

Journalist Nicky Hager has launched a scathing attack on the Defence Force during a presentation to the Operation Burnham Inquiry in Wellington today.

The Battles of Cassino in 1944 were the last significant fights involving New Zealanders in World War II and are being commemorated in Italy today.

Previously classified documents released by the inquiry into Operation Burnham show the NZDF thought civilians may have been killed in the days following an attack in Afghanistan.