SEA to build communications systems for New Zealand Navy frigates

SEA will build and install communications systems for the Royal New Zealand Navy's Te Kaha and Te Mana (pictured) frigates under phase two of the MoD's Frigate Sustainment - Communications project. (Petty Officer Chris Weissenborn, New Zealand Defence Force)

UK-based Systems Engineering & Assessment Ltd (SEA) has secured a contract worth GBP26 million (USD33 million) to build and install communications systems for the Royal New Zealand Navy's (RNZN's) two MEKO 200 ANZ Anzac frigates.

The contract is part of the New Zealand Ministry of Defence's (MoD's) Frigate Sustainment - Communications (FS-C) project phase two, the company said in a media release on 3 July.

The contract was finalised following SEA's completion of phase one of the FS-C project, focused on designing communications systems for the RNZN's Anzac frigates. Phase one of the project was delivered by SEA under a GBP4.6 million contract secured in September 2021.

SEA said under the new contract, it will deliver flexible and modular communications systems that will enable the RNZN to integrate equipment, including cryptos and radios, regardless of the manufacturer or supplier.

“The system's open architecture will also meet interoperability requirements, allowing the [RNZN] to communicate with partner navies and, in turn, support missions with friendly countries such as neighbouring Australia,” SEA added.

Richard Flitton, managing director at SEA, said the new communications system is also expected to reduce maintenance and associated costs of the RNZN.

SEA said it has been collaborating with several local companies including Auckland-based Beca, Marops, and McKay for the FS-C project.

SEA earlier said it expects to deliver the communication systems for the FS-C project from 2024, however, it has not responded to Janes request for information at the time of publication.