The New Zealand Defence Force has moved closer to acquiring services from Elon Musk’s Starshield satellite network after completing a trial that demonstrated potential utility for secret military communications.
Defence officials confirmed on Friday that A Starshield trial has been completed and showed potential utility for the NZDF,
marking a significant step in the military’s efforts to secure advanced space-based capabilities.
Documents and emails released under the Official Information Act show that former Defence Minister Judith Collins signed an indemnity in December 2025 to shield the United States government from any damages claims.
Defence had argued that the NZDF needed Musk’s system for secure military grade
internet services and data transfer. Officials warned Collins that without the network, the NZDF would have fewer satellite communications options to conduct operations.
The trial was purchased through the United States Foreign Military Sales system. Defence advised the minister that any loss under the indemnity would be unlikely to exceed $10 million.
Documents from June 2024 revealed that Defence was putting together future sustainment plans and asking, Is there a fast track option?
At the time, officials noted they had to navigate service access without any prior cost data, remarking that There are a few ducks we need to line up, especially as it is a service we are wanting access to; one that we have not seen any cost data on at all yet,
while also evaluating what its uses are, if any.
Internal correspondence from the period noted that when you are as hollow an organisation as we are, we have to wear many hats throughout the day.
By leveraging the United States government’s purchasing power, management, and technical support, the New Zealand Defence Force benefited from their unparalleled depth of knowledge
on a not-for-profit basis.
The two-year-old Starshield network offers higher encryption and protection against counterspace attacks. The United States Space Force stated that it relies on commercial space industry partnerships to counter aggressive adversaries, viewing Russia as an acute threat and China as a pacing threat.
The Pentagon remains Starshield’s largest customer, having spent billions on Starlink and Starshield services.
Earlier coverage: NZDF completes Starshield trial for secret communications
