New Zealand Defence Force

[donald_of_tokyo]

A movie of Te Kaha moving into dry dock.

I think her silhouette/out-looks is very well-balanced and beautiful.

[swoop]

[quote="NighthawkNZ"]Does she say HMCS... instead of HMNZS???[/quote
I'm hearing "HM Zee S" like she forgot the "N". Then there is the mutilation of other words...

With Te Kaha going into dock. I remember whan a refit like that would have been done in NZ.

[NighthawkNZ]

I'm hearing "HM Zee S" like she forgot the "N". Then there is the mutilation of other words...

That's why we say "Zed" lol... just saying...

With Te Kaha going into dock. I remember whan a refit like that would have been done in NZ.

I believe is time in dry dock is the final touch up on paint etc...

I think these upgrades are a little more technical. The last major refit I remember was HMNZS Wellington F69... while it was a major upgrade... it is nothing compared to the ANZAC upgrades...

There was only one or two major upgrades in tec, the RCA96 gunnery control was added and I think the main sonar (though I can't really remember that) so it was only stripping one console and wiring in the OPs room and replacing it running new cabling etc...

In comparison the ANZAC's OP's room is has been gutted,

1. All radars, sonar and sensors replaced, as well as new sensors added, ie; New EW suite, laser warning, and infrared, IFF blah blah blah...
2. The entire ships internal communications system replaced.
3. New Gun control interface
4. Old missile system removed and a new missile system added, And saved space reutilised, for whatever else is in the upgrades.
5. New decoys added. ie; Rheinmetall - Multi Ammunition Softkill System (MASS), Floating Missile decoy. Sea Sentor etc...
6. New Data links added.
7. New Navigation systems.
8. A new CMS which has only been deployed on one other class of ship.
9. Upgrades to communications

Basically, if it was electronic it was gutted... That never really ever happened in other refits in the past it was on one or two systems at once... and basically re-wiring the whole ship. All these new systems to be tied into the CMS etc

So I would argue... no not really...

[swoop]

I think these upgrades are a little more technical. The last major refit I remember was HMNZS Wellington F69... while it was a major upgrade... it is nothing compared to the ANZAC upgrades...

Basically, if it was electronic it was gutted... That never really ever happened in other refits in the past it was on one or two systems at once... and basically re-wiring the whole ship. All these new systems to be tied into the CMS etc

So I would argue... no not really...

Yeah, I'm really quite familiar with the Wellington refit... That was a major bit of work and also there was the Phoenix work on Waikato, Phalanx later on as well.
ANZAC is certainly a lot bigger and more electrically centred, but once apon a time we could handle that work here. A real shame the support side of the RNZN has been allowed to fade away.

[donald_of_tokyo]

Still the Auckland NZ Devonports dock operated by Babcock is working. The dock has done French Floreal-class major refit work.
So, if it is "not much complicated", the dock can do it. I think ANZAC FSU program in Canada is too complex.

see https://www.babcock.com.au/case-study/r ... ench-navy/

By the way, are there any possibility that New Zealand join Type-31 GP frigate program, with some involvement in fitting-out in the latter phase "at New Zealand"? The hull design features "easy installation of equipments" spending significant space/weight within the vessel. Installation of equipments on Type-31 frigate must be much easier, if not simpler, than those performed on ANZAC FSU.

Also, it is both "Babcock", although UK is UK (building T31), and NZ is of Babcock Australia (operating the Devonports Calliope dock). The Calliope dry dock in Devonport NZ can accommodate ships as large as "170 metres in length and 22.5 metres beam", so can accommodate T31 which is 138.7x19.75m (although quite at the limit).

[swoop]

Still the Auckland NZ Devonports dock operated by Babcock is working. The dock has done French Floreal-class major refit work.
So, if it is "not much complicated", the dock can do it. I think ANZAC FSU program in Canada is too complex.

As I said, it is a shame the capabilities have been allowed to disappear, so that now we cannot undertake a refit of this nature. Having to get the work done in Canada is the only current viable option (sadly).

[donald_of_tokyo]

Still the Auckland NZ Devonports dock operated by Babcock is working. The dock has done French Floreal-class major refit work.
So, if it is "not much complicated", the dock can do it. I think ANZAC FSU program in Canada is too complex.

As I said, it is a shame the capabilities have been allowed to disappear, so that now we cannot undertake a refit of this nature. Having to get the work done in Canada is the only current viable option (sadly).

Thanks for reply. Understandable, I agree.

But, the complexity of the work on Te Kaha and Te Mana in Canada, Victoria ship yard, requires highly skilled labors. And these labour force is very expensive to "grow" and maintain. Canada has been training these labors with their 15 Halifax-class frigates. And they spent a lot of money to do it. Of course, if NZ government spend more money on FSU program, they could have contracted with Lockheed Martin Canada to train the workforce at NZ, to perform the Frigate System Upgrade (FSU) on site. Not surprised the cost rises by another 50% (although just a guess). And of course, after this work, the well-trained labor force will "forget" this skill within 10 years or less, because there is no foreseeable future work of this kind. Not an efficient way to go, I'm afraid.

By the way, Babcock dock in Auckland have done the Platform System Upgrades (PSU) by themselves. (https://defence.govt.nz/assets/Uploads/ ... lume-2.pdf)
It included;
- Re engine
- enclosing some of the stern deck
- heating, ventilation and air Conditioning systems, Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS), and Battle Damage Control System (BDCS).

These are significant amount of work, I think (although just a small fraction compared to the FSU at Canada, sadly). As the dock is accepting many other maintenance contracts of French Frigate and a few Merchant vessels, its labor force can handle these works. Good. I think, they will be continuously able to do this (because there will be continual order to be taken there).

On this regard, I guess NZ government intentionally separated the PSU and FSU, so that they knew the former could be done in NZ, while the latter cannot be. Not a bad strategy.

[NighthawkNZ]

You have to remember this phase of the upgrades is the third and final phase is the only part that wasn't done in NZ and I believe one of the main reasons it went to Canada was that they chose Lockheed Martin's CMS-330 and that has only been installed on the Halifax.

They were tagged on as part of the Halifax upgrade program as ship 13 and 14 (which was supposed to help save some money) and Sea Ceptor has only been installed on a few RN frigates...

[ArmChairCivvy]

... and then the run was continued with Chilean ships joining into the queue.

Overall there must have been savings, but who knows how (to whom) they accrue

[donald_of_tokyo]

... and then the run was continued with Chilean ships joining into the queue.

Overall there must have been savings, but who knows how (to whom) they accrue

Not exactly. Chilean T23 has already started and some has been already finished upgrades. It looks like Chilean shipyard itself has done it.

https://www.infodefensa.com/latam/2019/ ... um=twitter

[ArmChairCivvy]

It may look like that, but after the 'metal bashing' phase of the upgrade of which a lot is needed as we know from here, I would be surprised if the ships should not 'stop over' where the Prime Contractor has carried out similar work as the specialist teams needed, coming in and out in waves, are not small (= cost, idle time if schedules are not kept... and travel between hemispheres):
"The Chilean Navy has selected Lockheed Martin Canada to upgrade combat management systems on its Type 23 frigates.

The company will provide its CMS 330 system which will now be featured on four different warship classes – New Zealand Navy Anzac-class frigates, and Canadian Navy AOPS and Halifax-class ships.

Lockheed Martin was selected as prime contractor following a tender that saw four competitors shortlisted.

BAE Systems, Israeli MBT Division, Lockheed Martin Canada, and Thales Nederland were competing for the contract to modernize the former Royal navy frigates Almirante Cochrane (ex-HMS Norfolk), Almirante Condell (ex-HMS Marlborough), and Almirante Lynch (ex-HMS Grafton).

“We are thrilled with this award and look forward to working with the Chilean Navy and ASMAR, the Chilean shipyard, as well as forging long term relationships with Chilean partners to deliver new capability to the Armada de Chile,” said Rosemary Chapdelaine, vice president for Lockheed Martin Canada Rotary and Mission Systems."

We will keep an eagle eye... and time (or further linked news) will tell.

[donald_of_tokyo]

HMNZS Aotearoa delivery delays, COVID19. Not clear how long.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/300009 ... -ever-ship

[donald_of_tokyo]

RNZN Navy Today, May 2020 edition.

https://bit.ly/navytoday243

In page 8 and 9, it has a beautiful line drawing of modified Te Kaha/Mana frigates.

Sill eager to know how many CAMM are loaded, but sadly it is not shown in the figure. By the way, it states that some CAMM missile is already in the RNZN hands.

.... The supersonic missiles, replacing the Sea Sparrow missile system on the Anzac frigates, were delivered to New Zealand in January from the United Kingdom, ready for installation into the refurbished frigates as a Local Area Air Defence anti-missile system....

[NighthawkNZ]

Sill eager to know how many CAMM are loaded, but sadly it is not shown in the figure. By the way, it states that some CAMM missile is already in the RNZN hands.

From memory 24 missiles but don't quote me on that...

[NighthawkNZ]

Navy waiting on clearance to send 140 staff to Canada

The Navy is preparing to ship nearly 140 staff to Canada.

The crew of the HMNZS Te Kaha, one of two Navy frigates receiving combat upgrades in Canada, are planning to join their frigate next week once granted clearance by Canadian authorities.

Canada has counted 93,157 cases of Covid-19 and 7637 deaths, has closed its border to "non-discretionary" travel, and requires anyone entering the country to self-isolate for 14 days.

A Defence Force spokeswoman, in a statement, said the Navy crew will prepare the Te Kaha for trials on the sea, and will return the vessels to New Zealand.

"Defence is working with the Canadian Government on the entry requirements, including the requirement to self isolate for 14 days upon arrival. We do not yet have confirmation of the entry requirements," the spokeswoman said.

The Navy had 69 staff return from Canada in March as Covid-19 began to spread across the world. The spokeswoman said a number of staff remained in the country to continue essential work, but did not specify how many.

"All Navy and Ministry of Defence personnel will observe all relevant local Covid-19 regulations in returning to Canada, staying in Canada, or upon return to New Zealand," the spokeswoman said.

The Te Kaha has been in Canada since 2018, receiving upgrades on its missiles, anti-ship missile decoys, sonar and underwater telephone, and torpedo defence system.

The upgrades for the two frigates was budgeted at $446 million in 2014, with another $148m committed to the project in 2017.

http://nighthawk.nz/index.php/news/defe ... -to-canada
Not long now... and we will have one back in NZ waters... as long as if the trials go ok and nothing major goes wrong...

[NighthawkNZ]

New Zealand Navy's largest ever ship Aotearoa, built by Hyundai Heavy Industries, is on its way to New Zealand, after Hyundai held a departure ceremony in its shipyard in South Korea on Wednesday.

Ordered in 2016, the $493 million Aotearoa is an Auxiliary Oiler Replenishment (AOR) vessel that will be used to support Royal New Zealand Navy’s combat operations, humanitarian relief functions, and operational and training support.

The vessel is built according to the Rolls-Royce Environship concept design, with a wave-piercing bow which reduces resistance and lowers fuel burn.

It is ice-strengthened to Polar Class level 6 for Southern Ocean monitoring and Antarctic operations including the resupply of McMurdo Station and Scott Base.

The 173 meters long Aotearoa will provide global sustainment to New Zealand and coalition maritime, land and air units, and United Nations security operations through resupply of ship and aviation fuel, dry goods, water, spare parts, and ammunition.

The 26,000-ton tanker and replenishment ship that is the largest the New Zealand Navy has ever operated.

It will replace the fleet tanker Endeavour that decommissioned in December 2017 after more than 30 years of service. New Plymouth will be the Home Port of Aotearoa.

New Zealand’s largest-ever navy ship built by Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) departed for the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN).

HHI announced today that it held a sail-off ceremony for RNZN’s the latest 26,000-ton logistics support vessel,HMNZS Aotearoa on June 10.


The vessel, measuring 173.2m in length and 24.5m in width will support operations for RNZN through supplying fuel, food, water and ammunition.

The ceremony held at HHI’s headquarter in Ulsan, Korea, was attended by Mr. Nam Sang-hoon, Senior Executive Vice President of HHI, Mr. Philip Turner, New Zealand Ambassador of Korea, and Major General Sung Il, Director General for International Cooperation of Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA).

The Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN) deployed ROKS Daecheong (AOE-58) to the ceremony to wish for a safe voyage of Aotearoa.

The departure is notable that Korea successfully exported logistics support vessel based on advanced technology to the country that sent warships to Korea during the Korean War.

In addition, Korea and New Zealand have been building trust relations, with the Defense Acquisition Program Administration and the New Zealand Ministry of National Defense signing a “Defense Material Cooperation Arrangement” last year to expand cooperation in the defense sector between the two countries.

“We are honored to have demonstrated our excellent naval ship design and construction capabilities by delivering HMNZS Aotearoa despite COVID-19.”
Senior Executive Vice President of HHI Mr. Nam


“We’d like to thank HHI for its efforts to ensure the successful delivery of the Royal New Zealand Navy’s largest-ever ship. The close cooperation between HHI and its subcontractors and New Zealand Ministry of Defence Project Team on the basis of mutual trust is what made the delivery of the ship possible. We expect the ship which is as versatile as its size will be able to carry out many activities, including disaster relief activities.”
New Zealand Ambassador in Korea Mr. Philip

A Senior Executive Vice President of HHI Mr. Nam said, “We are honored to have demonstrated our excellent naval ship design and construction capabilities by delivering HMNZS Aotearoa despite COVID-19.”

Check out Naval Library App to find out the specifications of HMNZS Aotearoa

http://nighthawk.nz/index.php/news/defe ... ea?start=1

[NighthawkNZ]

It was is a proud day for The Royal New Zealand Navy's largest ever ship's and crew as HMNZS Aotearoa leaves Ulsan on her maiden voyage to her new home Auckland yesterday. HMNZS Aotearoa was also escorted by the ROK Navy out to sea - a great sight and gesture.



http://nighthawk.nz/index.php/news/defe ... il-with-me

[donald_of_tokyo]

NZ replacing its aging C130H fleet with five new C-130J-30 Super Hercules. As with 4 P-8As, it is a big revamp in Air Force capability.

https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/fiv ... 96EotWok8w

[NighthawkNZ]

The deal was signed for 5 C-130j-30 Super Hercules a couple of days ago...

[NighthawkNZ]

Full steam ahead. The RNZN's newest ship HMNZS Aotearoa is currently on her way to New Zealand. Thanks to the Royal New Zealand Air Force Orion crew for the shot

She will be in Auckland, New Zealand on Friday 26th.

[NighthawkNZ]

well she is here anchored off Rangitoto Island Auckland 25th June 2020. She will dock tomorrow

[ArmChairCivvy]

What's the hangar capacity? Our tankers can only hangar one helo; reason being that it had to fit between the funnels
- on this one, the hangar is also between the funnels

[donald_of_tokyo]

well she is here anchored off Rangitoto Island Auckland 25th June 2020. She will dock tomorrow

With 170 m long and 24.5m abeam, can she enter the Calliope Dry Dock? Or you just mean, be moored on the wharf?

RNZN web page states The Drydock can take vessels up to 170 metres in length and 22.5 metres beam.

Ref: http://navy.mil.nz/about-your-navy/dnb/ ... eering.htm

[NighthawkNZ]

well she is here anchored off Rangitoto Island Auckland 25th June 2020. She will dock tomorrow

With 170 m long and 24.5m abeam, can she enter the Calliope Dry Dock? Or you just mean, be moored on the wharf?

RNZN web page states The Drydock can take vessels up to 170 metres in length and 22.5 metres beam.

Ref: http://navy.mil.nz/about-your-navy/dnb/ ... eering.htm

The wharf was extended so she can dock in a couple of spots... She is 173.2m (according to the navy website...

She can't fit in the Calliope Dry Dock neither can Canterbury and will have to travel to Aussie if needed. There has been talk of building a new much larger dry dock somewhere but nothing much has come of it.

What's the hangar capacity? Our tankers can only hangar one helo; reason being that it had to fit between the funnels
- on this one, the hangar is also between the funnels

I believe hanger for one NH90. But the flight deck can hand a chinook size helo.

[NighthawkNZ]

New armoured vehicle purchase replaces ageing fleet

The army's deteriorating fleet is to receive a boost thanks to the purchase of 43 new armoured vehicles.

Defence Minister Ron Mark has announced that the Government has approved buying Bushmaster NZ5.5 vehicles, two of which were on show at Linton Military Camp on Wednesday.

The $102.9 million price tag covers 43 Australian-designed Bushmasters, training, a desktop simulator and support equipment and infrastructure upgrades at Linton.



Some Bushmasters are already in service with the SAS and they’re widely used across other Five Eyes nations.

The Bushmaster had proved superior to the “inadequate” Pinzgauers it was replacing, Mark said.

Its V hull design was built to redirect blasts, destroying the vehicle, but saving the passengers.

“The toughest decisions are always those that will put our people in harms way, and this vehicle won’t make those particular decisions any easier, but they will give our service personnel the confidence that they have mobility and protection that will keep them safe,” Mark said.



“Having lost people in Afghanistan by improvised explosive devices, knowing all of that and knowing this type of vehicle is available and can be purchased it would be irresponsible not to buy it.”

Weighing 17 tonnes, with an additional five-tonne payload, Bushmasters can protect the up to 10 personnel on the vehicle from ballistic and blast attacks.

The fleet will supplement other vehicles the military does not have, such as protected ambulances, and although not a combat vehicle, it can be fitted with machine guns.



Its versatility will increase the Defence Force's ability to support allies with peace keeping operations and help in natural disasters. The police could also call in the Bushmaster in a crisis, such as the Christchurch Mosque attacks.

“Successive governments, both National and Labour, have underinvested in defence for over 20 years. My goal was to address all of those deficiencies in three,” Mark said.

Delivery of the fleet is expected to begin in late 2022. The full fleet is expected to be in action from late 2023.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/1220674 ... eing-fleet

Minister of Defence announce purchase of 43 new armoured vehicles to replace armoured Pinzgauer.