The NZDF is seeking at least 45 medium trucks to help replace remnants of the Unimog truck fleet that continue to serve. (Gordon Arthur)
New Zealand’s military continues to renew its disparate transport vehicle fleet under the Garrison and Training Support (GATS) programme, with the latest tender being published in late June.
A Ministry of Defence (MoD) spokesperson told
Janes
, “The 2025 Defence Capability Plan outlines multiple indicative investments to refresh the fleet by purchasing up to 550 commercial vehicles in total. This will include on- and offroad vehicles, buses, vans, ambulances, and fire appliances.”
The spokesperson added, “In addition, defence will replace critical support equipment including refuellers, vehicle transporters, heavy equipment transporters, trailers, and forklifts.”
The current request for proposals (RFP) encompasses at least 45 medium-sized tactical trucks to replace remaining Mercedes-Benz Unimogs that have been operated by the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) for more than 40 years.
Described as Medium Class 2, the NZDF wants trucks for “cargo and personnel transportation across both formed and unformed roads”, the RFP said.
Their acquisition was approved under the 2025 defence budget and this project marks the first tranche of GATS phase two. The MoD spokesperson said specifications and timelines would be finalised after Cabinet approves the final business case.
These trucks will not deploy overseas. Sarah Minson, deputy secretary for capability delivery, said, “The NZDF will use the vehicles every day for training purposes and for the transport of people and equipment within and between camps and bases.” Domestic search-and-rescue and disaster relief missions also fall under their purview.
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