NZ Army troops put through West Coast combat drills ahead of Indo-Pacific exercises

Video: New Zealand Army soldiers move through dense West Coast bush during a field training exercise near Kumara. (File. / Supplied / New Zealand Defence Force)

WATCH: New Zealand Army soldiers have completed a demanding field exercise in the rugged bush of the West Coast, sharpening combat and survival skills ahead of major deployments across the Indo-Pacific.

Infantry troops from 2nd/1st Battalion, Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment spent more than a week operating in dense native terrain near Kumara, using the isolated environment to simulate conditions expected during upcoming international exercises.

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The training began with soldiers crossing the Hokonui River before moving into several days of sustained field operations deep in bush country. Small infantry teams carried out combat patrols, rehearsed tactical manoeuvres and practised casualty evacuation scenarios while operating with limited support.

Image: New Zealand Army soldiers move cautiously through thick bush during the field exercise on the West Coast. Seen navigating dense forest and rugged terrain while conducting combat patrols and tactical manoeuvres as part of intensive training ahead of multinational exercises in the Indo-Pacific. (File. / Supplied / New Zealand Defence Force)

The exercise pushed soldiers through eight days of continuous activity designed to test endurance, navigation and coordination in thick vegetation and steep terrain. Training culminated in a dawn assault on an opposing force camp, followed by live-fire drills conducted within the forest environment.

Uncrewed aerial systems were also deployed during the exercise, providing reconnaissance and surveillance support to troops on the ground and helping commanders track movements and improve situational awareness during operations.

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The West Coast location was chosen for its dense bush and challenging terrain. The area closely replicates the jungle conditions soldiers are expected to face during multinational exercises in the Indo-Pacific region later this year.

The exercise forms part of the Army’s wider preparation programme as New Zealand troops prepare for joint training and operations alongside international partners across the region.

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