New Zealand Defence Force HQ Remains Evacuated After Earthquake

An earthquake that struck New Zealand shortly after midnight on Nov. 14 has led to the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) headquarters in Wellington remaining empty.

The headquarters, which opened in 2007, suffered internal damage from the quake. Engineers say it could take a year until the building is ready to be occupied again.

However, the Headquarters Joint Forces New Zealand (HQ JFNZ) remains open, as do other NZDF bases.

Ironically, an international fleet of warships that had gathered to commemorate the Royal New Zealand Navy's (RNZN) 75th anniversary in Auckland has been split, with US, Australian and Canadian ships joining RNZN ships off the coast of Kaikoura in the South Island of New Zealand — close to the epicenter of the 7.5 quake — to assist people stranded by quake damage that has forced the closure of the area's only access roads.

More In Naval

Pentagon picks programmers to connect its Replicator drone swarms

The announcement comes a week after the Pentagon revealed several of the drones it plans to buy through Replicator.

Pentagon announces hypersonic testing pact with UK, Australia

The agreement, which falls under AUKUS Pillar II, aims to leverage the three nations’ combined hypersonics funding, facilities and experience.

Notre Dame unveils first-ever hypersonic Mach 10 wind tunnel

A first-of-its-kind test facility unveiled earlier this month at the University of Notre Dame could improve the Pentagon’s hypersonic research.

Space Force targeting more affordable GPS satellites

The program comes amid growing concern from Pentagon and other government leaders about GPS vulnerability.

Space Force expands Commercial Integration Cell partnerships

The cell provides a venue for real-time technology exchange between U.S. Space Command and commercial space firms.