The New Zealand Defence Force’s contract with BAE Systems w/ Peace Action Wellington Representative, Valerie Morse 27th August

Last week, the New Zealand Defence Force, the NZDF, awarded a contract to defence company BAE Systems, to upgrade its VBS4 whole-earth virtual desktop trainer.

BAE Systems has previously been found guilty of conspiring to defraud the United States and making false statements about its compliance with the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.

The British company is currently under investigation in India for criminal conspiracy in the procurement and licensing of advanced jet trainers.

Furthermore, BAE Systems has been the subject of criticism for its production of weapons components sold to Israel for its war in Gaza.

The contract has drawn criticism from activist groups in New Zealand who say that the Defence Force should have more established standards regarding which companies it chooses to award contracts to.

Producer Josef spoke to a representative from Peace Action Wellington, Valerie Morse, about the contract, and what it means in the wider context of the morality of the NZDF’s operations.