New Zealand's Largest Ever Naval Vessel Delivered in S. Korea
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.
Merwede Wins Australia Defense Contract
Merwede Shipyard won a contract to design, engineer and build one Multi-Role Vessel for Tenix Defence PTY, Ltd..of Australia. The Multi Role Vessel meets or exceeds all operational requirements of the New Zealand Ministry of Defence, including those for cargo and troop carriage, speed, endurance, helicopter operations and the secondary role of Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) patrol and response. The 2,925 dwt vessel will measure 131 x 23 x 5.6 m, and will be able to achieve a maximum speed of 19.6 knots. This Multi-Role Vessel is part of a total of seven vessels that will be supplied by Tenix Defence to the Ministry of Defence of New Zealand. The building period for the Multi-Role Vessel is 22 months.
L-3 Communications Selected by New Zealand Ministry
L-3 Communications announced that its Integrated Systems division (L-3 IS) has been selected as the preferred contractor by the New Zealand Ministry of Defence to upgrade mission and communication-navigation systems for New Zealand's fleet of P-3 Orion (P-3) patrol aircraft. The upgrade to the six aircraft operated by the Royal New Zealand Air Force will include the replacement of the data management system, radar, electronic sensors, communications and navigation systems. The upgraded P-3 fleet will be equipped to meet both civilian agency and military requirements, as well as provide interoperability with New Zealand's security partners. Contract value will be determined through negotiations which are under way now and expected to conclude in October.
