RNZN’s second frigate returns after prolonged upgrade
HMNZS Te Mana arrives in New Zealand following a prolonged upgrade undertaken by Lockheed Martin Canada. (Photo: NZDF)
New Zealand's second frigate was out of commission for more than three years whilst undergoing an upgrade in Canada.
HMNZS Te Mana of the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) arrived home at Devonport Naval Base in Auckland on 8 July, after an astonishing 1,200-day absence from the country.
Indeed, Te Mana had been away for so long that the warship was entitled to a ceremonial homecoming. The Anzac-class frigate returned with 170 crew aboard after its extensive Frigate System Upgrade (FSU).
Prime systems integrator Lockheed Martin Canada performed the FSU work at Seaspan Shipyards in Victoria, Canada, following a 2014 contract award. Te Mana commenced its FSU on 1 May 2019.
Both New Zealand frigates were supposed to be
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Naval Warfare
-
![US Coast Guard orders 10 additional Fast Response Cutters]()
US Coast Guard orders 10 additional Fast Response Cutters
The USCG exercised a $507 million contract option for the acquisition of 10 extra FRCs. This new order will raise the total number of Sentinel-class vessels procured by the service from 67 to 77.
-
![DSEI 2025: Red Cat expands into USV production with focus on combat-proven technology]()
DSEI 2025: Red Cat expands into USV production with focus on combat-proven technology
At DSEI 2025, Red Cat outlines its expansion from UAVs into uncrewed surface vessels (USVs), positioning itself as a multi-domain defence provider spanning land, sea, and air.
-
![Anduril Australia wins A$1.7 billion Ghost Shark XL-AUV contract]()
Anduril Australia wins A$1.7 billion Ghost Shark XL-AUV contract
The vessels are expected to deliver a major boost to Australia’s undersea warfare capabilities, with production set to start immediately.
