Government looks at new Japanese ships as it considers replacing ageing Navy frigates
Thursday, 7 May 2026
The Government is assessing new Japanese-built ships as it shapes plans to replace the Navy’s ageing fleet.
Most of the Royal New Zealand Navy’s fleet is expected to reach the end of its design life by the mid‑2030s, including the Anzac‑class frigates Te Kaha and Te Mana
Defence Minister Chris Penk said the Government was addressing the issue by progressing the “Maritime Fleet Renewal programme”.
Penk said the New Zealand Defence Force had been in discussions with counterparts in the UK and Australia and had also considered the Japanese Mogami‑class frigate as part of developing a future business case.
He said the Government’s decision to prioritise discussions with partners and consider both the Japanese Mogami‑class frigate selected by Australia and the UK’s Type 31 reflected the need for interoperability and efficiency.
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A final decision had not been made, and advice was expected to be provided to cabinet before the end of 2027.
He said the focus was on mature, combat‑capable vessel programmes that were sufficiently developed to be assessed against New Zealand’s needs.
In the interim, Defence was continuing to ensure the current frigates remained operational.
“We know this will be a significant decision for New Zealand and we are determined to work with our partners, focus on what is in our best interests and get it right.”
The work is part of the Government’s wider Defence Capability Plan which features $9 billion worth of upgrades to modernise the country’s defences.
The Australian Government said in August last year it had decided to buy three Mogami-class frigates from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries which would be operational from 2034.
They would be used for maritime strikes, defence and anti-submarine warfare, the Royal Australian Navy said.