WWII Squadron Takes on Space Domain Awareness

In a surprising move, a World War II-era Royal New Zealand Air Force squadron is being revived to address modern security challenges. No. 62 Squadron will transition from radar technology to space domain awareness.

Reactivation for Evolving Threats

Judith Collins, the Defence Minister, stated that the reactivated No. 62 Squadron will focus on monitoring, analysing, and understanding space activity to safeguard national and international interests.

According to the U.S. Government Accountability Office, the increasing reliance on space assets has elevated concerns about their vulnerability to cyberattacks and other threats (GAO, 2024).

Safeguarding National Interests in Space

Collins emphasized that global developments require resilient, advanced defence capabilities, explaining that this initiative is part of the New Zealand Defence Force’s efforts to maintain a flexible, combat-ready force.

Commitment to Space Security

The Defence Minister asserted that the establishment of this space unit demonstrates New Zealand’s dedication to protecting its interests and security within the rapidly evolving space domain.

Collins added, Space is vital for modern life. We rely on space-based infrastructure for a range of critical services, from weather observation to financial transactions…This is an important signal that we’re taking space security seriously

Investment in Defence Capabilities

The reactivation of No. 62 Squadron is part of the Government’s Defence Capability Plan, which allocates $12 billion to upgrade New Zealand’s defence force over the next four years.