The question to replace the RNZNs Frigates and the OPVs is a difficult. Firstly compatible equipment with allies is essential for inter- operability. NZ as has other peacetime needs, such as supporting Pacific nations. Equally, from a strictly military perspective, large expensive ships, with large crews, which are ideal targets for drone swarms, such have been evident in the Black Sea, makes such vessels a political and naval liability. The Swedish submarine, that evaded a USN Carrier defensive destroyer screen, and line up for a kill-shot during exercises, should be seen as a naval metaphor. Now add to the mix both aerial and submerged sea drones. How can sufficient defensive equipment be placed on a Frigate or OPV to survive that threat environment?
So far no naval platform can achieve this at a justifiable cost. The evidence for this comes from both the ongoing war in the Ukraine and the Straits of Hormuz. Big hull equates to big target. Saturation attacks, required layered low-cost defenses, both against drones and missiles. Destroying a $50k drone with a million dollar missile is unsustainable. Worse in a small navy such as the RNZN.
I suspect a layer of jamming, intelligence, and active defenses (guns and lasers) are needed to defeat low cost threats. Some low cost anti torpedo anti sea drone weapon still needs to be produced, Germany is working on a anti-torpedo torpedo. Fascinating.
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