New Zealand Orders New Fleet Tanker

New Zealand ordered a new $348 million naval tanker from Hyundai in South Korea to replace the replenishment tanker that is nearly three decades old.

Powered by diesel engines driving twin props, the ship will have provision for the installation of two mini-typhoons and a Phalanx CIWS for self-defense.The tender requires a deck with a capacity for at least 12 TEU containers in a single tier. The tanker replaces the HMNZS Endeavour, commissioned in April 1988.

"This vessel will be significantly larger, will be able to refuel two ships at a time while underway, carry and refuel Defence Force helicopters, produce and store water, and store and transport bulk goods," New Zealand Defence Minister Gerry Brownlee said. "The Government has also opted to include ice-strengthening and winterisation features, representing a very useful enhanced capability when compared to the current tanker. This will allow it to deliver fuel and other goods to support Scott Base and McMurdo Station, during summer months once an icebreaker has cleared a path."

The new ship shall be able to operate, maintain and have hangar space for any one of the existing NZ Defence Force helicopter types, including the NH90, SH-2G, and the A109. The HMNZS Endeavour is unable to operate helicopters and is scheduled for decommissioning in 2018, two years before the replacement ship's expected delivery.

More In Naval

New US Space Force jammers aim to disrupt China’s SATCOM signals

The Remote Modular Terminals, which disrupt adversary satellites by "yelling in their ear," as one official put it, are cleared for initial fielding,

Space Force must grow to counter China and Russia, lawmaker says

House Armed Services Chairman Mike Rogers, R-Ala., said the service is not sized to meet increasing threats from China and Russia.

SpaceX launches rapid response GPS mission

The effort, dubbed Rapid Response Trailblazer, was meant to demonstrate the ability to quickly plan and launch a mission in around six months.

Space Command strategy aims to boost commercial role in operations

The updated strategy, approved in November, focuses on SPACECOM’s core tasks and how commercial space capabilities fit within those areas.

ULA eyes annual mods to turn rocket stage into space interceptor

The fast-moving vehicle would be highly maneuverable and could be used to tow satellites or for counterspace missions, ULA CEO Tory Bruno told reporters.