The Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) operates as the maritime component of the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF), managed through the Maritime Component Commander based at Headquarters Joint Forces New Zealand. The primary naval installation is Devonport Naval Base, also known as HMNZS Philomel, located in Auckland. This facility provides logistics, maintenance, and training support for the fleet. Operational control of maritime assets is coordinated through the Maritime Operations Centre.
The surface combatant force consists of Anzac-class frigates, HMNZS Te Kaha and HMNZS Te Mana. These vessels underwent the Frigate Systems Upgrade (FSU) to modernize combat management systems, radar, and electronic warfare capabilities, and are equipped with Sea Ceptor surface-to-air missiles. For sealift and amphibious support, the navy operates HMNZS Canterbury, a multi-role vessel capable of transporting troops, vehicles, and aircraft for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) or tactical deployments. Logistic sustainment is provided by HMNZS Aotearoa, a polar-class sustainment vessel that supplies fuel, dry goods, and water to naval and partner assets in the Pacific and Southern Ocean.
The patrol force includes Protector-class offshore patrol vessels (OPVs). Following the loss of the specialist dive and hydrographic vessel HMNZS Manawanui in late 2024, the RNZN entered 2025 with a focus on restoring sub-surface capabilities. Inshore patrol requirements are met by Lake-class vessels. Operations typically encompass maritime border security, fisheries protection, and search and rescue within New Zealand’s Exclusive Economic Zone and the South Pacific. Recent deployments include maritime security contributions to international task forces in the Middle East and Red Sea, as well as regular patrols in the Southern Ocean to monitor illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing.
Recent procurement activity involves the initial stages of the Fleet Tertiary project, intended to define requirements for replacing the Anzac-class frigates as they approach the end of their service lives. Domestic shipbuilding is limited to the maintenance and refit of existing hulls at the Devonport dockyard, while major hulls are historically sourced from foreign shipyards in Australia, South Korea, and Europe. In 2025, the Ministry of Defence prioritized the evaluation of options for a replacement hydrographic and diving support platform to fill the capability gap left by the Manawanui. Naval aviation support is provided by the Royal New Zealand Air Force’s No. 6 Squadron, which operates SH-2G(I) Seasprite helicopters from the decks of the frigates, OPVs, and HMNZS Canterbury.
