Naval opinion is firming on the next class of frigate to replace the RNZN’s two Anzac Class frigates Te Kaha and Te Mana which are scheduled to be retired within 10 years under the Defence Capability plans.
Both ships are ageing and, according to experienced officers, have had to be driven hard – notably in the Gulf – with only two frigates in the fleet.
A decade ago a National Govt declined to order a third.
Early reports indicate the Type 26 fits RNZN’s specifications “like a glove”
Attention is focusing on the BAE Systems Maritime Type 26 ordered for the Royal Navy, the Royal Australian Navy (which will build theirs in South Australia) and now the Royal Canadian Navy, which has awarded Lockheed Martin Canada a contract to develop a 15-strong frigate fleet based on the Type 26.
Early reports indicate the Type 26 fits RNZN’s specifications “like a glove”, a naval architect tells our correspondent. It will be powered by a Rolls Royce marine gas turbine based on the RR Trent 900 which powers the Boeing 777 and two electric motors.
- Australians hope NZ will buy Hunter class frigates but size and price will come into Defence considerations
- Could New Zealand join the Type 26 Frigate programme?
- 4 Frigate Navy
This will give it a speed in excess of 48 kph and a range of around 13,000 km. It will have a 5in gun, missiles, a hangar deck and a flight deck strong enough to handle the RNZAF’s NH90 helicopters and a crew of around 120 according to task. The first are due in RN service in 2026.
Both Anzacs are undergoing major upgrades and refits with Lockheed Martin Canada and other contractors. The first, a $394m project, provides a new combat Management System, the supply and integration of various sensors, missile system and a Combat System Trainer for the Devonport Naval Base in Auckland.
Both ships are ageing and, according to experienced officers, have had to be driven hard – notably in the Gulf – with only two frigates in the fleet.
The Combat Management System and many of the sensors are the same as those being provided for the upgrade of the 12 Royal Canadian Navy Halifax Class frigates which was undertaken by LMC.
The second, at $65.4m, upgrades the platform systems including the control and monitoring system, overall weight and stability management, the propulsion system, and the heating, ventilation and air conditioning.
Nighthawk.NZ thoughts on the article.
Points I noted in this article ;
- "Early reports indicate Type 26 fits RNZN’s specifications “like a glove”, a naval architect tells our correspondent."
The Type 26 frigate appears to be a capable frigate and would suit and meet the RNZN requirements which are set by the NZG. I would love to see them in the RNZN, but my concern is they are expensive for what they are. However, we really need at least 4.
- "Both ships are ageing and, according to experienced officers, have had to be driven hard – notably in the Gulf – with only two frigates in the fleet."
To me, this is a perfect argument of going back to a four frigate navy, or at least in the short term a 3rd. If you have to drive and run your equipment whether it is an aircraft or frigate, or vehicle so hard that they start to become unreliable, more expensive to run, and hopefully it never happens, loose of life... then upfront we should have bought our 4 frigates and stayed a 4 frigate navy.
The 2 frigates are still being overworked, even with Project Protector and the OPV's taking some of their duties. You can not replace the duties of a frigate with an even more lightly armed OPV. Whilst the OPV's have served well and do their duties, they are tasked for with patrolling our EEZ and fishery patrols, however, the two frigates have then been tasked with more securing the shipping lanes as well as patrolling our EEZ...
The current situation of both Frigates being in refit, in Canada is a telling tale that at least a third (preferably 4) frigate hulls is required, to meet the requirements set out by the government. At present they can not.
