As outlined in the 2025 Defence Capability Plan, most of the Royal New Zealand Navy fleet will reach end of life by the mid-2030s, which is why a Maritime Fleet Renewal programme has been established.
The programme is investigating a range of options to deliver a modern, combat capable naval fleet. No decisions have been made on the make-up of that fleet.
Replacement of New Zealand’s Anzac frigates has been identified as future indicative investment in the 2029-2039 period. Selection of combat capabilities within the future fleet will be determined through the usual business case process.
New Zealand is prioritising discussions with the Royal Navy and Royal Australian Navy to inform the next stage for potentially replacing the Anzac frigates and ongoing service arrangements.
The decision to prioritise discussions with partners and focus on the Japanese designed Mogami class frigate selected by Australia and the UK’s Type 31 frigate to inform the business case process reflects our need to be interoperable and to work with those we already have strong and enduring defence and security arrangements with.
These two combat vessel programmes are mature and are at a stage that allows adequate analysis against New Zealand requirements. However, no final decisions have been made, and no solution ruled out. Advice on next steps is expected to be provided to Cabinet before the end of 2027.
Work continues on the sustainment and maintenance of the Anzac frigates Te Kaha and Te Mana.