Future of the New-Zealand Navy

Only able to conduct small peacekeeping ops in the Pacific/Indian Ocean’s (frigates excepted), but asked thee more ?

Cartography
Coastlines: 15 134 km (9 398 mi).
The country claims the seventh-largest EEZ in the world, covering over four million square kilometres (1.5 million sq mi), more than 15 times its land area.

Personnal strength
(January 2010): +/- 2900 (+ 2500 volunteer)
Regular: 2162; Naval-Reserve: 338; Civilian: 400; Coast-Guard: +/- 2500 volunteer.

1 Sealift Ro-Ro ship
1 Canterburry
“Canterburry”, 9000 tons Ro-Ro (derived from the commercial Ro-Ro "Ben-My-Chree" design). Commissioned by 2007, with probable 25+ year service life expected, to be retired during 2030's. The ship experienced initially some troubles (& even more worse, some initial specification not reached).

2 Small Landing Crats
2 LCM
50/100 tons, 23 meters.

2 Frigates
2 Anzac
“Te Kaha, Te Mana”. 3600 tons multi-purpose frigates from the Anzac program. Commissioned by 1997/1999, with probable +/- 30 year service life, to be retired by 2027/2029.

These 2 vessels will most likely be replaced by 2 future frigates of the same design of future Australian frigates (it intended to replace the Anzac’s, by late 2010’s/late 2020’s). It is very likely that the New Zealand Navy, with limited financial capability, will participate in the Australian project, to reduce the cost of acquisitions.

1 Fleet Tanker
1 Endeavour
“Endeavour”, 7000/12 000 tons, commissioned by 1988. With probable 30 year service life, to be retired by late 2010’s/early 2020.

2 Ocean Patrol Vessels
2 Otago
“Otago, Wellington”, 1900 tons, 85 meters. Commissioned by 2008/2009. Considerable troubles experienced (overweight problems, initial requirement not fully reached). With probable +/- 25 year service life expected, to be retired by 2033.

4 Mid Shore Patrol Vessels
4 Rotoiti
“Rotoiti, Hawea, Pukaki, Taupo”, 340 tons, 55 meters. Commissioned by 2009, with probable +/- 20/25 year service life expected, to be retired by 2030/2033.

1 ocean survey vessel
1 Resolution
“Resolution”, 2200 tons, 68 meters (ex US Stalwart class ships built in the 1980’s, transferred by 1997). Likely to be replaced late 2010's/early 2020's by a civilian loaned (or built) ship ?

1 Diving support ship
1 Manawanui
“Manawanui”, 900 tons, 43 meters. Commissioned by 1988, likely to be retired by late 2010's/early 2020's.

Naval aviation
5 helico
5 Kaman SH-2G Seasprite. (newly built seaframe), Delivered by 2001/2003.

Royal New Zealand Coast Guard (civilian volunteer, SAR use)
+/- 75 various small crafts
(9,5 meters RHIB, few small rescue crafts)

2 helico or aircrafts?

In the recent years, the Royal New Zealand Navy has modernized considerably its surface fleet (newer Sealift/Patrol ships). But the country’s limited resources ($, population), coupled with a “specific” New Zealand policy/strategy, require the Navy to have a naturally reduced format. But this small size is probably a bit too small, because the country has vast areas of ocean in the south Pacific (the seventh largest Exclusive Economic Zone of the world, with 4 million square kilometers). 2 furthers Ocean Patrol Vessel, 3 furthers Mid-Shore Patrol Vessels, few long range UAV and few additionnal SAR helico……would not be too.

Next fleet review/editorial: Future of the Portuguese Navy.

As usual, It may be that in my opinion, I forgot programs ? (or made few mistakes ?), then said it ! Feel free to comment and give your opinion !