Overview
- Defence Minister Chris Penk said New Zealand began talks with Australia and the U.K. on Thursday, starting a formal process to replace its two Anzac-class frigates.
- The government’s business case weighs Japan’s Mogami-class and Britain’s Type 31, with formal advice on a preferred path due by the end of 2027.
- HMNZS Te Kaha and HMNZS Te Mana entered service in 1997 and 1999 and are the navy’s main combat ships, which the minister says will reach design-life limits by the mid‑2030s.
- The frigate replacement sits in the 2025 Defence Capability Plan as an indicative investment in the 2029–2039 window.
- Australia has contracted the first three upgraded Mogami frigates for delivery from 2029 with later ships built in Western Australia, a path New Zealand says could offer interoperability and cost efficiencies if it selects the same design.