Australian, New Zealand armies move to expand military cooperation to tech, intelligence

By Riyaz ul Khaliq

ISTANBUL (AA) - Australia and New Zealand militaries Tuesday committed to expanding their cooperation to domains of technology and intelligence sharing, said media reports.

The new upgrade has been called “Plan Anzac” which will “allow the two armies to share operational intelligence and technology as well as ramping-up their relationship,” according to ABC News.

It comes ahead of Anzac Day which is observed annually on April 25. It is a national day of remembrance for soldiers from the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (Anzac) who fought and died during the Battle of Canakkale, Türkiye, during World War I.

“Plan Anzac builds on our very significant Anzac history, and really seeks to ensure that we can cooperate, we can integrate and work together, bilaterally, and with our partners in the region in a way that is best placed for today's circumstances," said Greg Jennett and Australian Army chief Lieut. Gen. Simon Stuart

Maj. Gen. John Boswell, chief of the New Zealand Army, said the two sides are also considering a wider Pacific region engagement.

“It shouldn't be any surprise to anyone that we're now looking to our region and looking at how we can partner with the region in a way that is mutually beneficial for all parties," he said.

The two military commanders are planning a joint trip to Fiji and Vanuatu.

The upgrade of the trans-Tasman military partnership between Wellington and Canberra comes months after China struck a security deal with the Solomon Islands, triggering reactions from regional nations.