New Zealand Zeroes In On Frigate Programme
NEW Zealand is zeroing in on work to replace the Royal New Zealand Navy’s (RNZN) ageing Anzac-class frigates. According to NZ defence minister Chris Penk, discussions with the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) and the United Kingdom’s Royal Navy (RN) have begun for the next stage for potential frigate replacement and ongoing service arrangements. The RNZN is looking to replace two aging Anzac-class frigates commissioned almost three decades ago.
“Our decision to prioritise discussions with our partners and focus on considering the Japanese Mogami-class frigate selected by Australia and the UK’s Type 31 (Inspiration-class) frigates to inform the business case reflects our need to be interoperable and leverage efficiencies,” Penk said.
“Further, we are looking at mature combat capable vessel programmes which are at a stage that allows adequate analysis against New Zealand requirements. A final decision has not yet been made, and advice is expected to be provided to Cabinet before the end of 2027. In the interim, we are continuing to ensure the current frigates remain operational. We know this will be a significant decision for New Zealand and we are determined to work with our partners, focus on what is in our best interests and get it right. By planning for the replacement of our frigates and other naval vessels’ capability, this Government is ensuring our Defence Force personnel are equipped with the modern, combat capable assets they need to protect New Zealand’s interests, support our partners, and respond effectively to challenges at sea”, he added.
Japan expressed hope for New Zealand selecting the Mogami-class built by the country’s Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) as Japan’s arms export rules were recently eased. Japan’s latest revision removed five export categories that had restricted most defence exports to rescue, transport, warning, surveillance and mine-sweeping equipment. However, authorities will assess each sale and keep in place export ban principles including strict screening, controls on transfers to third countries and a ban on sales to countries involved in conflict, though exceptions can be made if deemed necessary for national security.
Australia selected the design as the preferred platform for the RAN future fleet of general purpose frigates, the biggest defence deal for Tokyo to date. Following a rigorous and competitive tender process, MHI’s Mogami-class frigate was assessed as best able to quickly meet the capability requirements and strategic needs of the Australian Defence Force (ADF).
With a price tag of US$6.5 billion, 11 new general purpose frigates will replace the Anzac-class frigates and will be equipped for undersea warfare and air defence. This accelerated programme will see the first three frigates built in Japan – with the first scheduled to be delivered to Australia in 2029 and operational in 2030 while the third is expected to enter service by 2034. Meaning the RAN will receive its first new surface combatant five years earlier than previously planned. The remaining eight ships will then be built in Australia by Austal.–shp/adj/dl (Pix:DOD)