New Zealand fires two Sea Ceptor missiles to test frigate systems upgrade

Asia-Pacific, News December 5, 2023 , by IRIA No Comments

New Zealand successfully fired two Sea Ceptor surface-to-air missiles from frigate HMNZS Te Mana to test capability release following the frigate systems upgrade.

Royal New Zealand Navy conducted two missile tests from HMNZS Te Mana to the East Australia Exercise Area. The test marked the final process of testing and evaluation of New Zealand’s Te Mana and HMNZS Te Kaha upgrades.

According to the New Zealand Defense Force statement, “This was the first test firing of the Sea Ceptor since the Anzac-class frigates had received the missile system during their combat, surveillance, and counter-measures upgrade in Canada.”

During the test, Sea Ceptors targeted two-meter-long drones that were simulating as inbound missiles. The uncrewed aerial threats were aimed at Te Mana. Another missile was launched to replicate an attack on one vessel operating with the ship.

The statement added that the ship’s Combat Management System successfully identified and classified both missiles and “Sea Ceptor missiles were launched, intercepting and destroying the targets”.

The New Zealand Defense Force said in a statement that the test has confirmed that the frigates have an increased capability to defend themselves and guard another ship.

New Zealand Sea Ceptor missile — *^{Royal New Zealand Navy Sea Ceptor surface-to-air missile. (Image Credit: Royal New Zealand Navy)}*

The statement highlighted that all aspects of the two Anzac frigates’ surveillance, countermeasures, self-defense capability, and Combat Management System have been proven. “This now means the frigates move from a solely ‘defend self’ position to a ‘defend others’ capability which allows for the missile defense of any other platform the frigates are operating with,” it added.

New Zealand’s Anzac Class frigates Te Mana and Te Kaha ships are primarily operating to conduct maritime security patrols and surveillance operations. The ships are designed to protect New Zealand’s sea lines of communication and trade routes.

According to the New Zealand Defense Force, the frigates are small warships that are best suited for conducting prolonged independent and sustained operations, including: