WELLINGTON, New Zealand – The armed forces of New Zealand and Australia have swapped deputy commanders at their respective joint force headquarters, signaling they view the defense of their nations as an interrelated matter.
New Zealand Defense Minister Judith Collins and Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles welcomed the appointments at the South Pacific Defense Ministers’ Meeting (SPDMM) on October 2 in Auckland.
The two joint force headquarters are responsible for the planning, control and execution of their respective countries’ military operations.
The appointment of a New Zealand Army officer, Major General Hugh McAslan, is the highest-ranking post of a foreign military officer in the Australian Armed Forces. The corresponding Australian appointment went to Army Brigadier General Michael Bassingthwaighte.
The head of the New Zealand Defense Force, Air Marshal Tony Davies, said: “With this reciprocal arrangement, which has seen an Australian Army brigade appointed as deputy commander of Joint Forces New Zealand, I am confident that we will continue to work well together as allies to ensure our safety. security.”
Equipment currently used by both countries includes the P-8 and C-130J-30 naval and transport aircraft and Bushmaster vehicles. New Zealand’s supply ship, HMNZS Aotearoa, is supporting Australian warships as the Royal Australian Navy’s own supply ships are unavailable until early next year.