IINA: Reinvigorating the UN Command: New Zealand’s Deployment to South Korea and Its Strategic Implications

By Kohtaro Ito, Senior Research Fellow, the Canon Institute for Global Studies

On July 30, 2025, a Royal New Zealand Air Force C-130 transport aircraft touched down at Osan Air Base in South Korea. Thirty-five New Zealand Army personnel disembarked and immediately formed ranks in front of the aircraft, performing the haka—a traditional Maori dance often seen at international rugby matches. Their presence, however, signaled more than ceremonial goodwill. The platoon had crossed the Pacific to participate in joint exercises, including the U.S.–South Korea Ulchi Freedom Shield (UFS) drills held from August 18 over a 10-day period.