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New Zealand begins discussion with Australia, Britain on replacing frigates
Officials say the navy is seeking a business case for replacement ships as most current frigates are set to reach design life by the mid-2030s.
On Thursday, Defence Minister Chris Penk announced New Zealand has begun discussions with Australia and Britain over replacing its ageing Anzac-class frigates, evaluating the Japanese Mogami-class or the UK's Type 31 warships.
Current frigates HMNZS Te Kaha and HMNZS Te Mana, commissioned in 1997 and 1999, reach their design life by the mid-2030s; regional tensions including Chinese warships conducting live-fire drills in the Tasman Sea last year accelerated the urgency.
As a member of the Five Eyes intelligence-sharing network alongside Australia, Britain, and Canada, New Zealand plans to lift defense spending to about 2% of gross domestic product from around 1%.
Discussions are under way with the Royal Australian Navy and the Royal Navy concerning frigate replacement and service arrangements, with Penk noting that working with partners would ensure interoperability and potential efficiencies.
Part of the 2025 Defence Capability Plan, the frigate replacement effort aims to address years of underspending, with officials expecting advice on a preferred path by the end of 2027.