# Desert wargames tax batteries, feed tech wishlist

> NZDF finds drone tech gaps after US desert wargames.
- Title: Desert wargames tax batteries, feed tech wishlist · RNZ
- Summary: NZDF finds drone tech gaps after US desert wargames. NZ Defence Force identified needs for more strike drones, batteries and field repairs after US Army's…
- Keywords: nzdf, us army, project convergence capstone 6, drone warfare, battery life, unmanned aerial systems, five eyes, politics, news, Desert, wargames, tax
- Source: RNZ — https://rnz.co.nz/news/political/2306252/desert-wargames-tax-batteries-feed-tech-wishlist
- Author: RNZ | Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa
- Published: 2026-11-02T17:30:09+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: nzdf, us army, project convergence capstone 6, drone warfare, battery life, unmanned aerial systems, five eyes, politics, news
## Desert wargames tax batteries
NZ Defence Force emerged from US army high-tech experiments with a wishlist for more strike drones, more powerful batteries and integrated robots.

> A desert trial exposed equipment limitations and institutional hurdles in the army's push to modernize and keep pace with an AI-savvy adversary
## US army struggles in desert
US media reported computer servers overheated and batteries died in the heat of the Mojave desert during Project Convergence Capstone 6.

> The activity reinforced the growing importance of power generation ... and the integration of UAS [unmanned aerial systems] ... and sensor-to-shooter capabilities as critical enablers of future combat effectiveness
## NZDF debriefs
NZDF debriefs showed combat effectiveness depends on technical expertise as much as traditional soldiering skills.

> The activity reinforced the growing importance of power generation ... and the integration of UAS [unmanned aerial systems] ... and sensor-to-shooter capabilities as critical enablers of future combat effectiveness
## Wolfpack munition
US army tested a long-range aerial munition that could operate as a 'wolfpack' to overwhelm enemy air defences.

> The munition could be fielded by next year
## NZ soldiers join exercise
A few dozen NZ soldiers joined Australian army's human-machine team in Convergence exercise Black Prince 3.

> The Australians have been exploring human-machine warfighting with Japan
## Tech wishlist
NZDF identified needs for common data standards, field repairs, more electricity and aerial drones.

> Soldiers needed to be able to make and repair drones on the battlefield - and have more electricity on hand to drive them and process all the data coming in
## Back to basics
NZ soldiers faced poor accommodation coordination and no full days off in six weeks.

> Personnel received no input into travel options regarding differences between commercial and military return flights
## Power hungry
Drones and electronic warfare weapons require more power, but forces lack fast chargers and standardised batteries.

> Power generation and energy resilience have become increasingly significant operational considerations
## Safety risks
Army trainers experienced a systemic uptick in catastrophic lithium battery fires.

> Safety risks were mounting, with army trainers experiencing a systemic uptick in catastrophic lithium battery fires
## Key takeaway

NZ Defence Force identified needs for more strike drones, batteries and field repairs after US Army's Project Convergence Capstone 6 wargames.