New Zealand deploys air force transporter to Middle East

The New Zealand military has stepped up support for coalition forces in Iraq and Afghanistan with the deployment of a transport aircraft to the Middle East.

The New Zealand air force C-130H Hercules and up to 40 personnel would support New Zealand and Australian forces in the Middle East over the next six months, the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) said Friday.

The aircraft would work as part of an Australian Defence Force (ADF) Joint Task Force to transport freight and personnel primarily to Iraq and Afghanistan, and it would support coalition operations in the Middle East region, said Major General Tim Gall, Commander Joint Forces New Zealand.

"Our missions in the Middle East support the international community's resolve to preserve security and stability in the region, and the upcoming mission will reflect that continuing commitment once again," Gall said in a statement.

"The operation also seeks to improve cooperation and enhance our ability to work alongside Australia and our coalition partners. We work with the ADF, the United States and other partners in Afghanistan, Iraq, and other parts of the world and this deployment marks our latest contribution," he said.

Around 100 NZDF troops and 300 ADF personnel form Task Group Taji, which is training Iraqi troops at a base north of Baghdad as part of the fight against Islamic State insurgents.

About eight NZDF are based in Afghanistan, helping to train the Afghan National Army. Endit