Royal New Zealand Navy Discussions and Updates

[40 deg south]

New Zealand's Anzac frigates to be equipped with Thales' SMART-S Mk2 radar - Naval Technology

Thales Nederland has been awarded a contract by Lockheed Martin Canada to deliver SMART-S Mk2 radars and 3D surveillance radar for integration into Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) frigates.

Being delivered as part of the Anzac frigate system upgrade executed by Lockheed Martin Canada, the two medium-to-long range surveillance radars will be installed on the RNZN's two Anzac-class frigates.

Company release
https://www.thalesgroup.com/en/neth...new-zealands-anzac-frigates-smart-s-mk2-radar

Product description
https://www.thalesgroup.com/en/worldwide/defence/smart-s-mk2-3d-medium-long-range-surveillance-radar

Looks like another solid off-the-shelf product, although this will be the first time it has been integrated with CAMM, as the RN use BAE's Artisan radar.

 

[StobieWan]

Shouldn't be a biggy - the missile doesn't require much - a data link and you're in business. It's a low footprint install so fingers crossed that goes smoothly.

 

[swerve]

I'm sure MBDA & Thales are keen to get them working together, as it improves the market prospects for both. NZ should get a good deal on that.

MrConservative:
As I understand it Oosumi has a small lift to the vehicle deck, & can squeeze a helicopter or two in. I think the limit was a political one, as it made 'em look less like power projection ships, while still suitable for short-range amphibious assaults, e.g. to recover Japanese islands from invaders.

Ah yes. Picture of an SH-60 on the lift. Only just fits.

 

[MrConservative]

As I understand it Oosumi has a small lift to the vehicle deck, & can squeeze a helicopter or two in. I think the limit was a political one, as it made 'em look less like power projection ships, while still suitable for short-range amphibious assaults, e.g. to recover Japanese islands from invaders.

Ah yes. Picture of an SH-60 on the lift. Only just fits.

Pictures speak the truth.

Continually I have read that the lift was for vehicles only and that all helicopters had to be strapped down under covers up top.

Pays not to believe everything printed in the Asahi Shimbun.

 

[swerve]

You mean like those reports that Ise & Hyuga can only carry four helicopters?

Because that's the normal peacetime component & the number of landing spots.

I don't know exactly how many the hangar will take, but I'm pretty sure it's in double figures. Wikipedia says up to 18 can be carried, but that may include deck parking. Other sources say 11 - which I think is probably hangar capacity.

 

[40 deg south]

I'm sure MBDA & Thales are keen to get them working together, as it improves the market prospects for both. NZ should get a good deal on that.

Agreed. Having a major US defence contractor working on the two systems must be good for market exposure too.

Further frigate upgrade news here:
RNZN completes sea trials of new frigate bridge system - IHS Jane's 360

Looks as if things are really starting to pick up pace on the frigate upgrade.

 

[kiwi in exile]

New Zealand's Anzac frigates to be equipped with Thales' SMART-S Mk2 radar - Naval Technology

I had posted these links previously; they give write ups on many of the new frigate systems:

http://navy.mil.nz/downloads/pdf/navy-today/nt179.pdf

pg 62-64 of the June issue of Australian Pacific Defence Reporter.
Australian Defence News | Asia Pacific Defence Reporter
You should be able to read the article online if you register (all you need to do is give an email address).

 

[ngatimozart]

I'm sure MBDA & Thales are keen to get them working together, as it improves the market prospects for both. NZ should get a good deal on that.

MrConservative:
As I understand it Oosumi has a small lift to the vehicle deck, & can squeeze a helicopter or two in. I think the limit was a political one, as it made 'em look less like power projection ships, while still suitable for short-range amphibious assaults, e.g. to recover Japanese islands from invaders.

Ah yes. Picture of an SH-60 on the lift. Only just fits.

Hmm might have to put the NH90s on a diet, but then maybe the lift size could be increased. Yes there appears to be a lot of options available.

 

[MrConservative]

Hmm might have to put the NH90s on a diet, but then maybe the lift size could be increased. Yes there appears to be a lot of options available.

Its going to be increased during the next refit. I gather used in rthe ASW role when not in the amphib / sealift role. Did a great HADR job in Tohoku and the Philippines.

 

[MrConservative]

If you want to go down that track there is a 13 - 14,000 tonne variant of the Navantia Juan Carlos I LHD upon which the RAN LHDs are based and that would be a more logical choose for NZ, IMHO.

There is so many questions I want answered about the baby JC1.

Hanger capacity, garaging, size of flight deck, medical facilities, was the crew size can be reduced down from 190, range, size of Dock.

The LPD is all knowable but this Athlas 13000 LHD is different to the Galacia. The Navantia document does not have that sort of detail. However, that and the ST Marine are of interest.

Plus Smart S Mk 2 and Sea Ceptor where am I going to stick that. :tasty

 

[Kiwigov]

Finally a Heavyweight Minister of Defence

New Ministerial portfolios announced - Coleman to lead Health, and Hon Gerry Brownlee to run Defence!
Interesting as he is one of the PM's 'kitchen cabinet', a marked upgrade from the past Ministerial status for Defence for the last 20 years. Hopefully this will foreshadow a greater willingness to invest over the next few budgets.

 

[MrConservative]

Well Dr Jono Coleman did a good safe job in Defence but Health is an area in which he really is an expert. I had hoped Coleman had another couple of years in Defence but I knew once Tony Ryall was going to retire from Health Jono will be going there.

Big Gerry will be safe and he will not have an agenda. He will listen to advice from the Senior Sirs. The fact that he is part of the Kitchen Cabinet is good in that he will be in the decision room.

Of course he will take great interest in the quaity of rations.

What is more interesting is that PM Key has undertaken the new role of Minister of National Security which will have broad oversight of Defence, SIS, GCSB, CCIP, NAB and OCDESC. Chris Findlayson to be the Minister in charge of the SIS and GCSB. Cannot think of anyone better to do that role. It sends the message they they are very serious with respect to this whole area.

 

[ngatimozart]

Well Dr Jono Coleman did a good safe job in Defence but Health is an area in which he really is an expert. I had hoped Coleman had another couple of years in Defence but I knew once Tony Ryall was going to retire from Health Jono will be going there.

Big Gerry will be safe and he will not have an agenda. He will listen to advice from the Senior Sirs. The fact that he is part of the Kitchen Cabinet is good in that he will be in the decision room.

Of course he will take great interest in the quaity of rations.

What is more interesting is that PM Key has undertaken the new role of Minister of National Security which will have broad oversight of Defence, SIS, GCSB, CCIP, NAB and OCDESC. Chris Findlayson to be the Minister in charge of the SIS and GCSB. Cannot think of anyone better to do that role. It sends the message they they are very serious with respect to this whole area.

The RNZAF catering is contracted out so yeah maybe however the RNZN and NZ Army catering is by service chefs / cooks. Can't give him to much kai or he won't fit on / in the Hercs.

 

[kiwi in exile]

Big Gerry will be safe and he will not have an agenda. He will listen to advice from the Senior Sirs.

If you look at what Ngati has posted in one of the other NZ threads, this hasn't really been a hallmark of Gerrys approach in Chch.

 

[ngatimozart]

If you look at what Ngati has posted in one of the other NZ threads, this hasn't really been a hallmark of Gerrys approach in Chch.

Not necessarily. I have history with him prior to his entering parliament so that colours my opinion of him. Yes some people in Christchurch don't like his approach but he has pushed ahead projects that need to be done. However he hasn't sorted out EQC who have caused a myriad of problems and unnecessary heartache and hardship here. Hence he has shown his strengths and conversely his weaknesses. Hopefully he'll push hard for NZDF.

 

[MrConservative]

If you look at what Ngati has posted in one of the other NZ threads, this hasn't really been a hallmark of Gerrys approach in Chch.

To distinguish between the portfolios and the ministerial oversight there of:

Gerry will have an agenda and an opinion on CHC because he knows the place and has no doubt a vested interest in its outcome. He will not have anywhere near the insight into Defence.

 

[40 deg south]

Gerry will have an agenda and an opinion on CHC because he knows the place and has no doubt a vested interest in its outcome. He will not have anywhere near the insight into Defence.

No doubt true. And one positive benefit of having the Chch rebuild Minister covering Defence - he will have had plenty of eperience at writing cheques. The cost of even the largest defence capital expenditure items looks pretty modest compared to reconstructing a city.

The biggest risk I can see is that Defence simply won't get enough attention from the Minister, and could be viewed as an annoying add-on to his main jobs as Earthquake Recovery Minister and Leader of the House. Fingers crossed that won't happen.

 

[recce.k1]

The biggest risk I can see is that Defence simply won't get enough attention from the Minister, and could be viewed as an annoying add-on to his main jobs as Earthquake Recovery Minister and Leader of the House. Fingers crossed that won't happen.

I wondered that too when it was announced he was the new Defmin i.e. how can he have time for all those roles as each one is important (eg Christchurch rebuild for sure with the MSM on his case advocating on behalf of the "people", so that role needs to be handled with very careful hands due to the political nature of it. I would have preferred that the PM perhaps shifted the role of Earthquake Recovery Minister to another of the Chch MP's after all there's nothing wrong with a fresh set of eyes looking at the issues etc. Who know perhaps that could happen in a future reshuffle).

Having said that it is good news that the 3rd highest ranking Minister takes over the DefMin role and once the big guys gets out and about to the bases to see the service men and service women and meets with his overseas counterparts I'm sure such a change in perspective can only be a good thing for himself and the NZDF.

Defence is still underfunded in terms of lacking additional capabilities for the roles the NZDF carries out nowadays (despite recent suggestions that expenditure is up from around 1% of gdp to 1.4% or something similar), so let's hope the big guy will be willing to push No 1 and No 2 for enhanced funding.

 

[MrConservative]

I wondered that too when it was announced he was the new Defmin i.e. how can he have time for all those roles as each one is important (eg Christchurch rebuild for sure with the MSM on his case advocating on behalf of the "people", so that role needs to be handled with very careful hands due to the political nature of it. I would have preferred that the PM perhaps shifted the role of Earthquake Recovery Minister to another of the Chch MP's after all there's nothing wrong with a fresh set of eyes looking at the issues etc. Who know perhaps that could happen in a future reshuffle).

Having said that it is good news that the 3rd highest ranking Minister takes over the DefMin role and once the big guys gets out and about to the bases to see the service men and service women and meets with his overseas counterparts I'm sure such a change in perspective can only be a good thing for himself and the NZDF.

Defence is still underfunded in terms of lacking additional capabilities for the roles the NZDF carries out nowadays (despite recent suggestions that expenditure is up from around 1% of gdp to 1.4% or something similar), so let's hope the big guy will be willing to push No 1 and No 2 for enhanced funding.

The PM being Minister of National Security means a lot also and Defence is a large part of that remit, Like Clark he has learnt that PM is a serious job, yet unlike Clark he does not have 30 years baggage of liberal idealism that she could never quite get over.

Off topic, but it will indirectly affect the Navy.

On reflection the 2014 election was quite a watershed event politically. The centre right captured a substantial amount of the votes caste. Post 2017 could see a hard pro-defence vote establish if 1) NZ First gets back under a Ron Mark leadership, 2) Colin Craig finally gets the Conservatives over the 5% line, 3) National hold fast to a 45% core vote if Key stays for a 4th term which he has not ruled out, 4) ACT get their act together under Seymour and survives to a 3% core and a Labour party heads back to the Centre (Or splits breaks into its Centrist Social Democrat faction who will eye a post 2020 crack at power and left faction going left (out) to where the Greens are on the voter fringe. (The fight is on for the soul of the NZ Labour party - like it was for the UK Labour party in the early 1980s).

I am not so sure Defence has hit 1.4% per GDP quite yet Recce even though that is about where I"d like it to be for awhile.

 

[htbrst]

The 5 existing seasprites have been sold to Peru, via refurbishment in Canada.

All of the reports are in Spanish, and are a bit scant on detail (e.g. price), but at least theres going to be an additional SH-2 operator in the world

Marina del Perú adquiere helicópteros Kaman SH-2 | TAKE OFF - PERÚ

https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=791841857541849&id=105090382883670

Edit: More detail in English and now I've read through more carefully - they are being sold via General Dynamics Canada, which after upgrades etc will then go to Peru

http://www.janes.com/article/44361/peru-signs-for-sh-2g-super-seasprites