NZ prioritising talks with British, Australian navies to potentially replace Anzac frigates

Defence Minister Chris Penk says New Zealand is prioritising talks with the British and Australian navies as it weighs options for replacing the ageing Anzac frigates.

Penk was attending the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, where he was meeting with international counterparts.

Japanese media was reporting that Japan was preparing to launch talks with New Zealand on exporting its Mogami-class frigate while at the conference.

Britain’s Type 31 frigate was also understood to be under consideration.

“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,” Penk said.

The minister said no final decisions had been made and advice on next steps was expected to go to Cabinet before the end of 2027.

“As outlined in the 2025 Defence Capability Plan, replacement of New Zealand’s Anzac frigates is an indicative investment in the 2029-2039 period,” Penk said.

“Selection of combat capabilities within the future fleet will be determined through the usual business case process.”

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