Anzac-class

The Anzac class originated from the Royal Australian Navy's (RAN) New Surface Combatant project in the mid-1980s to replace River-class destroyer escorts. Simultaneously, the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) sought a replacement for its Leander-class frigates. Following a 1987 Memorandum of Understanding, the two nations collaborated on a joint acquisition project. In 1989, the project selected a modified German MEKO 200 design. AMECON constructed the vessels in Williamstown, Victoria, using modular fabrication with sections built in Whangārei and Newcastle. Ten ships were completed between 1993 and 2006, with eight operated by the RAN and two by the RNZN.

The frigates feature an all-steel hull and superstructure. The propulsion system uses a Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) configuration driving two controllable-pitch propellers. The class was designed with a baseline of offensive and defensive systems, including a main gun, a vertical launch system for point-defense missiles, and a helicopter. Many systems were initially "fitted for but not with" to manage costs, leading to subsequent national upgrade programs. The RAN Anti-Ship Missile Defence (ASMD) and Mid-life Capability Assurance Program (AMCAP) introduced active phased array radars and replaced existing anti-ship missiles. The RNZN Frigate Systems Upgrade (FSU) updated the combat management system, primary radar, and surface-to-air missiles.

HMAS Anzac entered service in 1996, and HMNZS Te Kaha entered service in 1997. The class has deployed for the INTERFET mission in East Timor and multiple operations in the Persian Gulf. During the 2003 invasion of Iraq, HMAS Anzac provided fire support during the Battle of Al Faw. HMNZS Te Kaha conducted patrols in the Ross Dependency and served as a guardship in the Solomon Islands. Decommissioning of the class began in May 2024 with HMAS Anzac. The RAN plans to replace the class with Hunter-class frigates, while RNZN vessels are scheduled for service until the mid-2030s.