New Zealand to decide on Japan’s frigates by end of 2027, defense chief says

New Zealand Defense Minister Announces 2027 Timeline for Frigate Acquisition Decision New Zealand Defense Minister Chris Penk stated on 12 October 2024 that a decision on acquiring Japanese-designed frigates will be reached by the end of 2027. The announcement came during a bilateral defense consultation in Wellington, where interoperability with Royal Australian Navy platforms was identified as a central factor in any future selection. Penk said any surface combatant choice must align with existing and planned Australian fleet architecture. Interoperability with Australia remains a non-negotiable requirement for New Zealand’s future frigates, he said during a joint press conference with Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Richard Marles.

Procurement Timeline

The 2027 deadline corresponds with New Zealand’s updated Defense Capability Plan, issued in draft form by the Ministry of Defence in September 2024. The plan outlines the replacement of the two Anzac-class frigates, HMNZS Te Kaha and HMNZS Te Mana, whose service lives are projected to end in the early 2030s. Officials have indicated that a government-to-government arrangement with Japan would be assessed alongside proposals from other partners. Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force officials have provided briefings on the Mogami-class frigate and its 5,500-tonne successor design. Japan’s Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Agency has supplied technical data packages under existing information-sharing agreements.

Background on Regional Naval Requirements

New Zealand’s naval surface force currently consists of two Anzac-class frigates, two offshore patrol vessels, and one replenishment vessel. Successive defense white papers since 2010 have emphasized the need for vessels able to conduct sustained operations in the South Pacific and Southern Ocean while remaining compatible with Five Eyes partners. Australia is procuring six Hunter-class frigates.

By Kenji Tanaka, Staff Writer