Biblical citations on weapon sights used by Kiwi troops in Afghanistan are "inappropriate" and will be removed, the Defence Force says.

The rifle sights carry references to Bible verses that appear in raised lettering at the end of the stock number. Markings include "JN8:12", a reference to the Gospel of St John chapter 8, verse 12: "When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, 'I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life'."

The Defence Force was first made aware of the codes on its weapons when contacted yesterday. There has been global criticism of the citations on the Trijicon Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight, also used by the United States and British military.

Defence Force spokesman Major Kristian Dunne said that like other countries, New Zealand had been caught unaware. "It's put us in an uncomfortable situation. We can see how they would cause offence. We are unhappy they didn't make us aware of it."

The Defence Force would talk to the US-based manufacturer and supplier to ensure future orders did not have the inscriptions. It would remove the letters from existing gunsights. "They didn't violate any policy but we consider them inappropriate. Everyone has freedoms of religious belief and our soldiers are from multiple religions."

The Defence Force had about 260 of the sights, which were first bought in 2004. Personnel would continue using them, he said.

"The sights were chosen because they are the best of their kind. It enables our guys to fire weapons very accurately during night and daytime."

Defence Minister Wayne Mapp said the biblical codes were undesirable and could be easily misconstrued. The Government had not been aware of them.