Wellington plans to increase defence spending to about 2 per cent of gross domestic product, citing rising geopolitical tensions
Discussions are under way with the Royal Australian Navy and the UK’s Royal Navy about the frigate replacement and ongoing service arrangements, Defence Minister Chris Penk said in Wellington on Thursday.
New Zealand’s two current frigates, the HMNZS Te Kaha and HMNZS Te Mana, were commissioned in 1997 and 1999 respectively.
“As a remote island nation, maritime security underpins New Zealand’s economic prosperity,” Penk said in a statement. “Yet most ships in the current fleet are expected to reach the end of their design life by the mid-2030s, including the Anzac-class frigates. Without replacement, this would have a significant impact on New Zealand’s ability to protect its maritime interests in the Pacific and beyond.”
Source: News - South China Morning Post
