Latest from Defence

McCully makes secret trip to Iraq

Military demand to grow amid Asia tensions

Airbus Group expects to see growing demand for military aircraft in Asia amid simmering tensions in the South China Sea and other areas.

Putin mobilises entire Northern Fleet

Russia's entire Northern Fleet is on the move today as part of a show of force involving 40,000 troops, more than 41 warships, 15 submarines and 110 aircraft.

Pakistan's missile can target all of India

Pakistan has test-fired a ballistic missile able to carry a nuclear warhead to every part of India. Yesterday's test was another escalation in Islamabad's effort to keep pace with its neighbouring rival's formidable military advancements.

Abbott confirms 300 more troops

Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott confirmed yesterday that 300 more of the Australian Defence Force would be deployed to Iraq in a non-combat training role.

High-stakes battle against Isis for Tikrit

Fighting began in the key central Iraqi city of Tikrit, birthplace of the former dictator Saddam Hussein, as government forces and Shia militia launched a major assault to displace Isis jihadists.

NZ troops can opt out of Iraq

Soldiers may be excused from going to train Iraqi forces in fight against Isis, for personal reasons. The Defence Force says it is part of being a "good employer".

John Armstrong: Where US goes, Key follows - on his own

Every political party laid claim to the moral high ground in the argument over sending a team of army training personnel to Iraq, John Armstrong writes.

Govt nixes airline’s link plan

Defence Minister Gerry Brownlee has clipped the wings of a fledgling regional airline before it can get off the ground.

Kiwi troops off to Iraq

NZ soldiers training Iraqi troops near Baghdad will not be taking a "them-and-us" view of the Iraqis but a partnership approach.

16 trainers among 106 NZDF staff

The deployment of 106 Defence Force personnel to a military base in Iraq will include just 16 trainers, the New Zealand Defence Force chief confirmed yesterday.

PM: 'Join the right side'

An angry John Key has lashed out at the Opposition over its attacks over New Zealand's Iraq mission, saying “Get some guts and join the right side.”

John Armstrong: John Key is not winning the debate

Herald political writer John Armstrong says the PM's decision to bypass the media when announcing his decision shows he is failing.

Troop deployment: PM's full speech

John Key today announced that he was sending 143 NZ military personnel to Iraq to help train Iraqi forces fighting Islamic jihadists. Here is his full statement to Parliament:

Key to reveal Government's plan for Iraq

New Zealand intelligence agencies could play a role in protecting trainers sent to Iraq but are unlikely to provide information to assist with drone strikes, Prime Minister John Key says.

John Armstrong: Which 'club' is Key hoping to beat Jihadists with?

The PM's insistence that he was referring to all of the members of the multi-national force as the "club" defies logic, writes John Armstrong.

PM: NZ troops won't be 'on front line'

New Zealand troops sent to Iraq to help in the fight against Isis will not be 'on the front line', Prime Minister John Key says.

PM reveals possible extent of Iraq deployment

John Key speaks on New Zealand's possible involvement in the fight against Isis.