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New Zealand will continue its military assistance to Ukraine until at least December 2026, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced this week, with up to 100 NZDF personnel remaining deployed across Europe to support training, intelligence, logistics, and liaison operations.

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Framed as a show of “unwavering support” for Ukraine, the announcement signals a long-term commitment to a conflict that remains fluid, with ceasefire negotiations reportedly under way.

Of the $152 million committed, $102.3 million has been spent on military training, logistics, and equipment. Only $31.9 million has gone toward humanitarian support, and a further $5.2 million to legal and human rights monitoring

While over 53,000 Ukrainian troops have reportedly been trained through allied efforts, New Zealand’s marginal impact must be weighed against the opportunity cost.

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Additionally, the United Kingdom government has announced a deal worth £30 million (NZ$66.8 million) for drones produced by New Zealand company SYOS Aerospace.

New Zealand is also expected to announce increased support for the joint Operation Interflex training Ukrainian forces in the UK, extending it until the end of the year. More than 54,000 Ukrainian soldiers have been trained there to date.

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Robotics business SYOS manufactures drones at its factory in Hampshire, southeast of London, and they have been deployed to combat zones.

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Royal New Zealand Navy frigate HMNZS Te Kaha will also join a UK carrier strike group leaving Portsmouth for the Indian Ocean.

“As the world becomes an increasingly dangerous place, I am proud how much we are doing together to support our national and economic security - stepping up our defence spending, deploying our navies together in the Indo-Pacific and continuing our work to put Ukraine in the strongest possible position to deter an increasingly aggressive Russia,” [UK PM] Keir Starmer said.