$300m frigate upgrade

The Navy plans a $300 million upgrade to defence systems on its Anzac frigates.

Planning for the revamp on HMNZS Te Kaha and HMNZS Te Mana has begun. Work is likely to begin in 2007 and take four or five years.

Among the first weapons to be replaced on the frigates, delivered to New Zealand in 1997 and 1999 as part of the joint 10-ship programme with Australia, are e anti-submarine torpedoes.

The 30-year-old design of the Navy's Mark 46 Mod 2 torpedoes means they will not be supported in three years.

Without a torpedo replacement the frigates would be limited in their ability to support peace operations and contribute to the protection of New Zealand and Australia.

Australia is understood to favour the French MU-90 torpedoes and New Zealand is likely to follow Australia and buy about 50 or 60.

The French torpedoes have an anti-torpedo capability as well as an anti-submarine capability.

Te Kaha and Te Mana are expected to be in service beyond 2020.

- NZPA