Japan Faces UK Rival In Race to Build Warships for New Zealand

Japan’s stealthy and highly automated Mogami warship is set for a showdown with the simpler and less expensive Type 31 frigate from the UK as the two nations compete to supply vessels to the Royal New Zealand Navy.

New Zealand said last week it was looking at both options to replace its two aging Anzac-class frigates, which were commissioned almost 30 years ago. The Defence Force is set to report on the rival offerings by the end of next year at the latest, and the government hasn’t ruled out buying more than two.