The Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) will choose between British and Japanese options to replace its ageing Anzac frigates, it has been revealed.
The maritime arm of the New Zealand Defence Force has narrowed down potential replacements to a shortlist of two, with a final decision on which platform to recommend to the New Zealand Government’s Cabinet expected to be provided “before the end of 2027.”
The two platforms in the running are Babcock International’s Arrowhead 140 design, the basis for the Royal Navy’s new Type 31 frigates, and the Japanese Upgraded Mogami frigate built by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI).
The RNZN’s two Anzac-class frigates, HMNZS Te Kaha and HMNZS Te Mana, were commissioned in 1997 and 1999, respectively.
New Zealand’s Defence Minister Chris Penk explained: “Most ships in the current fleet are expected to reach the end of their design life by the mid-2030s, including the Anzac-class frigates.
“Without replacement, this would have a significant impact on New Zealand’s ability to protect its maritime interests in the Pacific and beyond.
“The Government is addressing this by progressing a Maritime Fleet Renewal programme as part of the Defence Capability Plan, which will assess options for delivering a modern and combat capable fleet.
“It is expected the future fleet will support a broad range of functions, including maritime combat, patrol and security, sealift, hydrography and diving operations, assistance to other government agencies, and support for humanitarian and disaster response.”
He added: “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 frigates to inform the business case reflects our need to be interoperable and leverage efficiencies.
“Further, we are looking at mature combat capable vessel programmes which are at a stage that allows adequate analysis against New Zealand requirements.”
As well as being favoured by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF), the next-generation Mogami platform has also just been selected by the Royal Australian Navy; it is replacing its own Anzac-class vessels with 11 of the new MHI frigates.
As well as being selected by the Royal Navy, Babcock’s AH140 design is the basis for Indonesia Red White-class warships and Poland’s new Miecznik (Swordfish) frigate programme; Denmark and Sweden are also currently considering selecting it for their future frigate programmes.
- You can read more details on the New Zealand Government website