New Zealand renews deployment of Defence Force personnel to support Ukraine
Tuesday 8 September 2026 · 2 outlets · 2 reports · updated In this story Winston Peters, New Zealand Defence Force, Paul Goldsmith
The Government has extended Operation Tīeke, renewing the deployment of up to 70 Defence Force personnel to Europe. Most staff will be based in Poland to train Ukrainian forces in specialist areas like drone operations and electronic warfare. The mission also includes providing intelligence, liaison, and logistics support.
Key facts
5 facts
- Operation Tīeke has been ongoing since 2022
- Up to 70 NZDF personnel will be deployed in Europe
- The mission has been extended until 30 June 2028
- Training focuses on electronic warfare and drone operations
- New Zealand has sanctioned over 2000 individuals, entities, and vessels since March 2022
The full story
1 min read · 2 outlets
New Zealand has renewed the deployment of Defence Force personnel in Europe to support Ukraine. Up to 70 NZDF personnel will continue to be deployed in Europe, with the majority training Ukrainian forces in Poland as part of a multinational initiative led by Norway.
The mission, known as Operation Tīeke, has been ongoing since 2022 and has already been extended three times. The deployment has been extended until 30 June 2028.
The NZDF will continue providing intelligence, liaison, and logistics support in Europe. Training will prioritise specialist areas such as electronic warfare and drone operations.
Foreign Minister Winston Peters said the Government was "fully committed to supporting the people of Ukraine". He noted that the defence of Ukraine has significant implications for the security of both Europe and the Indo-Pacific.
How it developed
- Tue 8 Sep, 2:11pmThe mission has been extended until 30 June 2028 and the NZDF is currently mandated to deploy up to 95 personnel.
Where reports differ
- Report 1 states up to 70 personnel will be deployed, while report 2 states the NZDF is currently mandated to deploy up to 95 personnel.
Compiled from reports by 1News and Stuff.