New Zealand progresses future frigate plans with Australia, UK

The JMSDF's second Mogami-class frigate, JS Kumano , seen here while it was at Changi Naval Base in Singapore. This design is being considered for New Zealand's requirements. (Janes/Ridzwan Rahmat)

New Zealand has moved closer to defining its future surface combatant fleet.

In a statement on 7 May, Defence Minister Chris Penk confirmed that discussions are under way with Australia and the United Kingdom, and that two existing frigate designs are being used to inform New Zealand's replacement plans.

Penk said Wellington had begun consultations with the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) and the UK's Royal Navy as it prepares to replace the Royal New Zealand Navy's ageing Anzac‑class frigates.

He added that officials are examining Japan's Mogami-class design and the UK-developed Type 31 frigate as reference points, noting that both programmes are considered sufficiently mature to support detailed analysis.

The statement marks a notable shift from earlier communications by signalling a more focused evaluation phase and implicitly narrowing the range of candidate platforms.

While the government stopped short of announcing a formal shortlist, the explicit identification of two in-production designs suggests a growing preference for off-the-shelf solutions that maximise interoperability and reduce programme risk.

Penk emphasised that engagement with Australia and the UK reflects a desire to “be interoperable and leverage efficiencies”, indicating that alignment with partner navies will be a central consideration in any eventual procurement decision.

This framing reinforces the likelihood that New Zealand will prioritise commonality in platforms, logistics, and potentially combat systems with partner navies, rather than pursue a bespoke design.

However, Penk emphasised that no final decision has been taken and that advice will be provided to Cabinet before the end of 2027.