According to information published by the New Zealand Defense Force on October 6, 2021, Anzac-class frigate, HMNZS Te Kaha is joining the UK Carrier Strike Group as it transits the South China Sea en route to a major international defense exercise.
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Anzac-class frigate HMNZS Te Kaha joining UK Carrier Strike Group (Picture source: Royal New Zealand Navy)
The HMNZS Te Kaha (F77) is one of ten Anzac-class frigates, and one of two serving in the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN). She was laid down at Williamstown, Victoria on 19 September 1994. The ship was assembled from six hull modules and six superstructure modules; the superstructure modules were fabricated in Whangarei, New Zealand, and hull modules were built at both Williamstown and Newcastle, New South Wales, with final integration at Williamstown. She was launched on 22 July 1995 and commissioned into the RNZN on 22 July 1997.
The HMNZS Te Kaha is armed with one 5 in/54 (127 mm) Mk 45 Mod 2 gun, one Phalanx CIWS Close-In Weapon System, two M2 .50 Cal Browning machine guns, eight-cell Mk 41 VLS (Vertical launching System) for Sea Ceptor surface-to-air missiles AGM-119 Mk 2 Mod 7 Penguin Missile launched from SH-2G(I) Super Seasprite, two triple 324 mm Mk 32 Mod 5 tubes or launched from SH-2G(I) Super Seasprite.
The HMNZS Te Kaha is powered by a CODOG (combined diesel or gas) turbine system including one General Electric LM2500+ gas turbine providing 30,000 hp (22,000 kW), two MTU 12V1163 TB83 diesel engines providing 8,840 hp (6,590 kW), and two shafts with controllable pitch propellers in CODOG configuration. It can reach a maximum speed of 27+ knots (50+ km/h; 31+ mph) with a maximum range of 6,000 nautical miles (11,000 km; 6,900 mi) at 18 knots (33 km/h; 21 mph).
The HMNZS Te Kaha can accommodate, operate, and maintain one naval helicopter. The ship has a crew of 178 Officers and sailors.
