WELLINGTON, April 7, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - New Zealand will ramp up defence spending under a major military overhaul unveiled Monday, pouring billions of dollars into missiles, cyber security and drones.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said it was time for New Zealand to "pull its weight", vowing to lift defence spending from one percent of GDP to more than two percent within the next 10 years.

The NZ$9 billion (US$5 billion) plan would also see New Zealand's military work more closely with key regional ally Australia, Luxon said.

"Global tensions are increasing rapidly, and New Zealand has stepped up on the world stage, but our current defence spending is simply too low."

Priority areas included "enhanced strike capabilities", long-range drones, cyber security and border surveillance.

New Zealand is a member of the "Five Eyes" intelligence-sharing alliance alongside the United States, Britain, Canada, and Australia.

But it has been criticised over the years for taking a softer line on China -- putting its trading relationship ahead of its allies' security concerns.