SYOS Aerospace shares a new agreement with the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) | Defence Science & Technology (DST) to strengthen advanced uncrewed systems capability, and ensure NZDF are fully equipped to integrate, operate and evaluate emerging technologies. SYOS will deliver a portfolio of air, land and sea uncrewed autonomous vehicles, supported by a programme of structured experimentation, evaluation, and development. The company also provide specialist services to the NZDF Capability Branch, including advanced testing, technical services, training, and operational support. Conducting trials in a range of scenarios, such as transporting supplies, performing maritime patrols, and completing route reconnaissance.
Samuel Vye SYOS: “We’re delighted to contribute to the growth of New Zealand’s defence‑technology ecosystem – with solutions that are mission ready, combat proven and scalable. The NZDF’s structured experimentation aligns with how we operate – working shoulder to shoulder with customers and end users to tackle complex, real‑world challenges.”
NZDF will buy and trial advanced uncrewed systems from New Zealand company Syos Aerospace, enabling access to mission-ready, combat proven technology. This will inform future capability decisions on a technology that has rapidly become central to modern military operations.
Delivery of air, land, and sea drones will occur over the coming months, including the SG400 Uncrewed Ground Vehicle, the SM300 Uncrewed Surface Vessel, the SA2 ISR drone and the SA7 one way effector drone. The Army and Navy will conduct trials in a range of scenarios, such as transporting supplies, performing maritime patrols, and completing route reconnaissance.
Founded four years ago in Mount Maunganui and now a world-recognised innovator in uncrewed systems, Syos won the 2025 NZ Hi-Tech Company of the Year award. By partnering with Syos, the NZDF is plugging into a fast-moving technology company whose products are combat tested. For instance, Syos drones and USVs have already seen operational use in the conflict in Ukraine.
