NZ retires half its inshore patrol vessels
Although just ten years old, the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) retired two inshore patrol vessels (IPV) – HMNZS Pukaki (P3568) and HMNZS Rotoiti (P3569) – during a ceremony at Devonport Naval Base in Auckland on 17 October.
Their withdrawal from service from the Naval Patrol Force was confirmed in the 2019 Defence Capability Plan which stated that ‘operational experience has confirmed that specific tasks required of the naval patrol force are better conducted by offshore patrol vessels than inshore patrol vessels, particularly in the South Pacific, due to their longer range, endurance and embarked aviation capability.’
Further, it stated
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![US Navy’s MUSV programme could lay the USV procurement blueprint for NATO allies]()
US Navy’s MUSV programme could lay the USV procurement blueprint for NATO allies
The programme’s structure as a marketplace will allow multiple companies to compete for ongoing procurements; an approach which could be replicated across the Atlantic.
-
![Funding for the future US Navy Trump-class battleship sparks controversy in Congress]()
Funding for the future US Navy Trump-class battleship sparks controversy in Congress
Lawmakers question the US Navy’s proposed $2 billion investment in the Trump-class battleship as concerns over cost, technology maturity and operational relevance fuel growing bipartisan scrutiny on Capitol Hill.
-
![Germany sinks F126 frigate programme in favour of cheaper MEKO A-200]()
Germany sinks F126 frigate programme in favour of cheaper MEKO A-200
On 24 June 2026, the German Ministry of Defence announced it was cancelling the F126 frigate programme in favour of procuring eight MEKO A-200 DEU frigates.
-
![UK’s Type 31 frigate balances cost pressure with long-term export ambition]()
UK’s Type 31 frigate balances cost pressure with long-term export ambition
The UK shipbuilder’s full-year results to the end of March revealed the impact of the £140 million charge linked to design changes and rework on the Royal Navy’s Type 31 frigate programme.
