New Zealand plans air defence upgrade for Anzac frigates

The government of New Zealand is to seek industry proposals for a mission systems upgrade in the country's two Anzac (MEKO 200) frigates, Defence Minister Jonathan Coleman announced on 11 December. The project will enhance the self-defence and sensor capabilities of HMNZS Te Kaha and HMNZS Te Mana by 2017, he said. A request for tenders will be issued by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) in early 2013.

Prospective industrial partners will be asked to replace the anti-air missile system, which consists of an eight cell Mk 41 (Baseline IV/1 Mod 5) vertical launch system for RIM-7P Sea Sparrow surface-to-air missiles. The combat management system (hardware and software) will also be updated, together with radar and other sensors.

"The frigates are a vital part of our Defence Force, but the weapons and sensor systems were designed in the late 1980s," Dr Coleman said. "No funding commitment has yet been made. Only after going to market through an open and competitive tender process will the government consider making its investment decision."