Aircraft are the fastest method of transport available and can go where other vehicles can’t. If a road is blocked it makes no difference to us. What’s more, aircraft can carry large amounts of both people and supplies.

These are just some of the reasons why our fleet can make a crucial difference in a wide range of situations, both in New Zealand and overseas.

Below are some of the life-saving and world-changing opportunities that you may experience as a member of the Air Force.
 

Peacekeeping and humanitarian support

We are regularly involved in Defence Force operations overseas. From Antarctica to Sudan, Timor-Leste to South Korea, our personnel play a crucial role in helping people and countries rebuild after conflict and natural disasters.
 

Search and rescue

From snow-capped mountains to stormy oceans, the Air Force can provide fast emergency assistance. It might not just be people that we help either. In extreme weather conditions, we can transport supplies to stranded animals too.
 

Marine patrols

Our P3K patrols our waters and helps prevent illegal fishing and preserve marine stocks.
 

Police and Army exercises

Our Iroquois helicopters regularly support the police. Protecting New Zealand from criminal activity is a shared responsibility. We also assist the Army, moving personnel and equipment and assisting with parachute training.