Babcock International has entered a partnership with New Zealand’s Company-X to deliver VR-based training systems to global defense customers. Announced at the Indo Pacific Maritime Expo, the partnership strengthens New Zealand’s tech sector and supports supply-chain resilience. Company-X’s software is already used by the Royal New Zealand Navy for immersive training. The collaboration aligns with New Zealand’s updated procurement rules, requiring foreign contractors to involve local firms and encouraging NZDF to consider domestic suppliers. A new defense innovation fund of up to NZ$300 million will support advanced technology projects. The announcement follows major NZ procurements, including MH-60R Seahawks, Airbus A321XLR aircraft, and upgrades to the NH90 fleet.
