NZ and Australian ammunition technicians train to clear unexploded ordnance at Waiouru

Text poster only. The source photos show gloved hands in camouflage sleeves fitting a detonator into olive-drab demolition charges taped together in the back of a vehicle, and technicians sweeping rough ground with handheld metal detectors. — New Zealand Defence Force, watch at source · Link-only (source-hosted; not rehosted)

Photos released Oct. 20, 2026 by the New Zealand Defence Force. The NZDF says ammunition technicians from New Zealand and Australia took part in Exercise Safe Step in Waiouru this month, in the lead-up to next year's Exercise Talisman Sabre in Australia, practising how to find, disable and destroy unexploded ordnance, including clearing around a battle-damaged truck and its towed L119 105mm light gun and a drone that did not explode. The photos show technicians preparing demolition charges and searching ground with metal detectors.

What: NZ and Australian ammunition technicians train to clear unexploded ordnance at Waiouru
Where: Waiouru, New Zealand
When: Oct 20, 2026
Who: New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF)
Status: Official release
Warning: Content warning: None. Bomb-disposal training; scenario casualties only, no one harmed. Graphic level: none.

Sources

New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) · NZDF news (Oct. 20, 2026): New Zealand and Australian ammunition technicians share high-risk skills

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Record details

Captured 20 October 2026. Time captured: not stated. Releasing authority: New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF). Location: Waiouru, New Zealand.

Watch at source

Credit: New Zealand Defence Force, watch at source. License: Link-only (source-hosted; not rehosted).