DEFENCE TO UPGRADE THE ANZAC FLEET'S ANTI-SHIP MISSILE DEFENCE CAPABILITIES
New Zealand Defence
The Department of Defence has recommended to proceed at this stage with a modified upgrade to the ANZAC Frigates'
anti-ship missile defence, and to investigate alternative options for providing a long-range air warfare capability.
Defence has been investigating an upgrade to the ANZAC Frigates with industry since 1996. The original concept for this
upgrade included improvements to their anti-ship missile defensive capabilities and the addition of a long-range air
warfare capability.
As the Department and industry continued to study the proposed upgrade, it became clear that the proposed upgrade was
not achievable within acceptable costs and risks for the capability improvements sought.
The ANZAC anti-ship-missile defensive upgrade will be designed to provide a practical level of self-protection against
anti-ship missiles, allowing them to operate in medium threat environments and employ their surface warfare
capabilities.
The pending retirement of the 'PERTH' Class Guided Missile Destroyers (DDGs) will reduce the Navy's air warfare
capability. The Department of Defence, with assistance from industry, will examine options for providing an appropriate
level of this capability in the surface fleet.
The Government is committed to maintaining a highly effective surface fleet and recognises that close collaboration with
industry is vital to achieving this aim.