View source for Anzac-class frigate

{{short description|Australian military ship class}}
{{Use Australian English|date=March 2018}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2018}}
{|{{Infobox ship begin}}
{{Infobox ship image
| Ship image = [[File:HMAS Ballarat during RIMPAC 2016.jpg|300px|HMAS Ballarat in 2016]]
| Ship caption = HMAS ''Ballarat'' in 2016.
}}
{{Infobox ship class overview
| Name = ''Anzac''
| Builders = [[AMECON]]
| Operators = *{{navy|AUS}} (RAN)
*{{navy|NZ}} (RNZN)
| Class before = *{{sclass2|River|destroyer escort|1}} (RAN)
* {{sclass|Leander|frigate|4}} (RNZN)
| Class after = *{{sclass|Hunter|frigate|4}} (RAN)
*[[Australian general purpose frigate program|General Purpose Frigate]] (RAN)
| Subclasses = 
| Cost = 
| Built range = 1993–2006
| In commission range = *1996–present (RAN)
*1997–present (RNZN)
| Total ships planned = 12
| Total ships cancelled = 2
| Total ships completed = 10
| Total ships active = 9
| Total ships laid up = 
| Total ships lost = 
| Total ships retired = 1
| Total ships scrapped = 
| Total ships preserved = 
}}
{{Infobox ship characteristics
| Header caption = as designed
| Ship type = [[Frigate]]
| Ship displacement = {{convert|3,600|t|abbr=on}} [[full load displacement]]
| Ship length = *{{convert|109|m|abbr=on}} [[waterline length]]
*{{convert|118|m|abbr=on}} [[length overall]]
| Ship beam = {{convert|14.8|m|abbr=on}}
| Ship draught = {{convert|4.35|m|abbr=on}} at full load
| Ship propulsion = *[[Combined Diesel or Gas]] (CODOG):
*1 × General Electric LM2500-30 gas turbine, {{convert|30172|hp|abbr=on}}
*2 × MTU 12V1163 TB83 diesel engines, {{convert|8,840|hp|abbr=on}} each
*2 × [[Variable-pitch propeller (marine)|controllable-pitch propellers]]
| Ship speed = {{convert|27|kn|lk=in}}
| Ship range = {{convert|6,000|nmi|lk=in}} at {{convert|18|kn}}
| Ship endurance = 
| Ship boats = 3 x 7.2m Juliet 3 RHIBs (although only 2 are normally carried)
| Ship complement = 22 officers, 141 sailors and 16 government worker or air crew.
| Ship time to activate = 
| Ship sensors = *'''Radar''':
*'''Original fit'''
**Raytheon SPS-49(V)8 ANZ aerial search and long-range surveillance
**[[Saab Group|Saab]] [[9LV]] Combat Management System
**[[Saab Group|Saab]] Sea Giraffe Target Indication Radar for air and surface search
**Krupp Atlas 9600 Navigation RADAR
**[[Saab Group|Saab]][[9LV]] 453 Ceros 200 Fire Control Radar and Continuous Wave Illuminator
*'''ASMD fit'''
**Raytheon SPS-49(V)8 ANZ L-band Radar
**CEAFAR1-S S-band Active Phased Array Radar
**Kelvin Hughes Sharp Eye Navigation Radar
**CEAMOUNT Fire Control Illuminators
**Saab Systems Ceros 200 Fire Control Director
**Cossor AIMS Mk XII IFF
*Combat Data Systems 	
**Saab Systems 9LV453 Mk3E 
*Electronic Countermeasures 	
**JEDS 3701 electronic support measures
**Telefunken PST-1720 comms intercept
*'''AMCAP fit'''<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2020/06/third-anzac-class-frigate-gets-her-new-mast-as-part-of-amcap-upgrade/|title=Third ANZAC-class Frigate gets her new mast as part of AMCAP upgrade|date=27 June 2020}}</ref>
**CEAFAR2-L L-band Active Phased Array Radar
*'''NZ Anzac Frigate Systems Upgrade'''<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.lockheedmartin.com/en-ca/anzac.html|title = New Zealand Frigate Systems Upgrade Project|date = 11 May 2021}}</ref>
**Thales SMART-S Mk2 S-band PESA radar
**Kelvin Hughes Sharp Eye Navigation Radar
**Furuno FAR-3320W radar
**Cossor AIMS Mk XII IFF
*Combat Data Systems 	
**Lockheed Martin Canada CMS330
*Electronic Countermeasures 	
**Elbit/Elisra electronic support measures
**Rheinmetall MASS Offboard ECM
**Ultra Electronics Sea Sentor torpedo countermeasures
**Airborne Systems DLF floating decoy
*'''Sonar:'''
**ThomsonSintra Spherion B hull-mounted bow sonar
**Petrel Mine and Obstacle Avoidance Sonar system
**Fitted for but not with [[towed-array sonar]]
*'''Other:'''
**Cossor AIMS Mark XII [[identification friend or foe|identification-friend-or-foe]] system
| Ship EW = *[[Mark 36 SRBOC]] launchers
*[[AN/SLQ-25 Nixie|SLQ-25A]] towed torpedo decoy
*[[Nulka]] decoy launchers
*Rascal Thorn modified Sceptre-A [[electronic support measures]]
*Telefunken PST-1720 Telegon 10 radar intercept unit
| Ship armament = * '''Missiles:'''
* ''RAN''
* 8-cell Tactical [[Mark 41 Vertical Launch System]] firing 32 quad-packed [[RIM-162 ESSM]]
*2 × 4-canister [[Harpoon (missile)|Harpoon]] or [[Naval Strike Missile|NSM]] anti-ship missiles
* ''RNZN''
* 20-cell GWS.35 VLS firing 20 [[Common Anti-Air Modular Missile|Sea Ceptor surface-to-air missiles]]
* '''Torpedoes:'''
*2 × [[Mark 32 Surface Vessel Torpedo Tubes|Mark 32 triple torpedo launchers]]
**''RAN:'' [[MU90 Impact]] torpedoes
**''RNZN:'' [[Mark 46 torpedo|Mark 46]] torpedoes
* '''Guns:'''
* ''RAN and RNZN''
* 1 × [[5-inch/54-caliber Mark 45 gun | 5"/54 calibre Mark 45 mod 2]] main gun
* 2 × .50cal machine guns on [[Typhoon Weapon Station|Mini Typhoon]] mounts
* 6 x .50cal machine guns crew served
* ''RNZN''
* 1 × 20mm [[Vulcan Phalanx]] close-in weapons system
* '''[[Fitted for but not with]]'''
* ''RAN''
* 1 × [[close-in weapons system]]
* 2nd 8-cell Mark 41 VLS
* ''RNZN''
* 2 x 4-canister anti-ship missiles
| Ship aircraft = *1 helicopter
*''RAN'': [[Sikorsky MH-60R Seahawk]]
*''RNZN'': [[Kaman SH-2G Super Seasprite]]
| Ship notes = For upgrades and current configurations, see the sections on [[#Australian modifications|"Australian modifications"]] and [[#New Zealand modifications|"New Zealand modifications"]], or the individual ship articles
}}
|}

The '''''Anzac'' class''' (also identified as the '''''ANZAC'' class''' and the '''MEKO 200 ANZ''' type) is a [[ship class]] of ten [[frigate]]s; eight operated by the [[Royal Australian Navy]] (RAN) and two operated by the [[Royal New Zealand Navy]] (RNZN).

During the 1980s, the RAN began plans to replace the {{sclass2|River|destroyer escort}}s (based on the British {{sclass|Leander|frigate|1}}) with a mid-capability patrol frigate and settled on the idea of modifying a proven German design for Australian conditions. Around the same time, the RNZN was seeking to replace their ''Leander''-class frigates while maintaining [[blue-water navy|blue-water capabilities]]. A souring of relations [[New Zealand-United States relations|between New Zealand and the United States]] in relation to [[New Zealand's nuclear-free zone]] and the [[ANZUS]] security treaty prompted New Zealand to seek improved ties with other nations, particularly Australia. As both nations were seeking warships of similar capabilities, the decision was made in 1987 to collaborate on their acquisition.

The project name (and later, the class name) is taken from the [[Australian and New Zealand Army Corps]] of the First World War.

Twelve ship designs were tendered in 1986.<ref name=Greener30/> By 1989, the project had selected a proposal by Germany's [[Blohm + Voss]], based on their [[MEKO 200]] design, to be built in Australia by [[AMECON]] at [[Williamstown, Victoria]]. The modular design of the frigates allowed sections to be constructed at [[Whangārei|Whangārei, New Zealand]] and [[Newcastle, New South Wales]] in addition to Williamstown. The RAN ordered eight ships, while the RNZN ordered two and had the option to add two more. The frigate acquisition was controversial and widely opposed in New Zealand, and as a result, the additional ships were not ordered.

In 1992, work started on the frigates; {{convert|3600|t|LT|adj=on}} ships capable of a {{convert|27|kn|lk=in|adj=on}} top speed, and a range of {{convert|6,000|nmi|lk=in}} at {{convert|18|kn}}. The armament initially consisted of a single 5-inch gun and a point-defence missile system, supported by a missile-armed helicopter. In addition, the ships were [[fitted for but not with]] a torpedo system, [[anti-ship missile]]s, and a [[close-in weapons system]]. The last ship of the class entered service in 2006; by this point, the RAN and RNZN had embarked on separate projects to improve the frigates' capabilities by fitting the additional weapons, along with updates to other systems and equipment.

Since entering service, ''Anzac''-class frigates have made multiple deployments outside local waters, including involvement in the [[International Force East Timor|INTERFET]] multi-national deployment to [[East Timor]], and multiple operational periods in the [[Persian Gulf]]. {{As of|2024}}, nine ships are in service following HMAS ''Anzac''{{'}}s decommissioning in May 2024.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=18 May 2024 |title=HMAS Anzac (III) farewelled after 28 years of service |url=https://www.defence.gov.au/news-events/releases/2024-05-18/hmas-anzac-iii-farewelled-after-28-years-service}}</ref> The RAN intends to start replacing theirs in 2024,<ref>{{cite web |title=Australia To Double Fleet Size With Small Warships |url=https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2024/02/australia-to-double-fleet-size-with-small-warships/#:~:text=In%20the%20shorter%20term%2C%20the,year%20and%20Arunta%20in%202026. |website=Naval News |access-date=20 February 2024}}</ref> while the RNZN ships will remain active until the mid-2030s.

==Planning and development==
The ''Anzac'' class originated from the RAN's New Surface Combatant (NSC) project, which began in the mid-1980s to find a replacement for the RAN's six {{sclass2|River|destroyer escort}}s.<ref name=Jones244>Jones, in Stevens, ''The Royal Australian Navy'', p. 244</ref><ref>Fairall-Lee, Miller, & Murphy, in Forbes, ''Sea Power'', p. 336</ref> By 1985, various design briefs ranging from {{convert|1200|to|5000|t|LT|lk=on}} [[Displacement (ship)|displacement]] were under consideration, with the RAN emphasising [[anti-ship missile]] defence, damage control, and ship survivability based on [[Royal Navy]] experiences during the [[Falklands War]].<ref name=Jones244/> Eventually, the project settled on a ship of approximately {{convert|3,600|t|LT}} displacement.<ref name=Jones245/> At this time, it was also believed that Australia did not have the capability to design a major warship from scratch, so the decision was made to select a proven foreign design and fit it with an Australian-developed combat system.<ref name=Jones244/> In early 1986, a review of policy regarding surface combatants saw the NSC classified into the middle of three tiers: a patrol frigate designed to operate on low- to mid-intensity operations in Australia's [[economic exclusion zone]].<ref name=Jones244/><ref name=GrazebrookSail/>

[[File:HMAS Torrens DE-53.jpg|thumb|left|HMA Ships {{HMAS|Torrens|DE 53|2}} (foreground) and {{HMAS|Yarra|DE 45|2}} exercising; two of the River-class destroyer escorts the RAN was looking to replace. The ''Leander''-class frigates the RNZN were retiring were of a similar design, with both classes based on the British [[Type 12 frigate]].]]

Around the same time, the need to replace the RNZN's {{sclass|Leander|frigate|1}} force with new warships was under consideration.<ref name=Greener23.5>Greener, ''Timing is everything'', pp. 23–5</ref> The government saw maintaining a [[Blue-water navy|blue-water]] capable force built around three or four frigates as important, but the cost of acquiring and maintaining such a force was prohibitive, once it became clear on the basis of RN and RAN studies that the generally favored Type 21 design lacked the space and volume for the required range and development.<ref>A.Preston.' Type 21 A/S frigate' in the World's Worst Warship. Conway Maritime (2002)pp 171–75 & A. Briggs. DDL the Australian Light Destroyer Project in Warship 2017.Conway. London, p 54-8 ,</ref> A joint Anzac project offered the RNZN the first chance in 20 years for new deepwater warships.<ref name=Greener25.6>Greener, ''Timing is everything'', pp. 25–6</ref> The NZ 1983 Defence Review on the basis of RN theoretical study and enthusiasm for the 2400 Vicker sub-project, saw a submarine force as the only way of maintaining an RNZN as a combat force, and the Muldoon government actually entered into a memo of understanding with Australia for the joint development of what became the {{sclass|Collins|submarine|1}}s and assigned staff to the Australian project.  However, it became clear that surface vessels were also required and the cost risk was too high. Alternate suggestions, such as reducing the RNZN to a [[coast guard]]-type force responsible for coastal and fisheries protection, replacing the frigates with smaller [[offshore patrol vessel]]s, or reorienting the navy to primarily operate submarines, were made in several venues, but were seen as an unacceptable loss in capability.<ref name=Greener25.6/> Around the same time, the 1984-elected [[Fourth Labour Government of New Zealand]] implemented a nuclear-free zone, which incensed the United States and led to a deterioration of relations between the two nations, including the American withdrawal of support for New Zealand under the [[ANZUS]] security treaty.<ref name=Greener26>Greener, ''Timing is everything'', p. 26</ref> In response, the New Zealand government sought to improve [[Australia-New Zealand relations|ties with Australia]]; one such avenue was to promote military interoperability between the countries by standardising equipment and procedures where possible.<ref>Greener, ''Timing is everything'', pp. 26–7</ref> The Australian NSC project was seen to have "virtually identical" requirements to the RNZN's proposed Replacement Combat Ship concept, and the need to replace the warships dovetailed with the need to improve relations with Australia.<ref>Greener, ''Timing is everything'', pp. 27–9</ref><ref name=Hensley304/>

On 6 March 1987, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed by the two nations and RNZN representatives were invited to collaborate on the project.<ref name=Jones245>Jones, in Stevens, ''The Royal Australian Navy'', p. 245</ref><ref name=Greener29/> To recognise their involvement, the project was renamed the ''Anzac'' Ship Project, taking the name from the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps of World War I.<ref name=Jones245/> The New Zealanders' involvement was structured to allow their involvement in the selection of the design and shipyard and explore options for New Zealand industry involvement.  When the time came to commit, they could either continue cooperating into the construction stage of the project, independently order the ships from the designer or abandon the project entirely.<ref name=Greener29>Greener, ''Timing is everything'', p. 29</ref>

The proposed baseline characteristics called for a vessel capable of reaching speeds of {{convert|27|kn|lk=in}} and a range of {{convert|6000|nmi|lk=in}} at {{convert|18|kn}} based on a [[combined diesel or gas]] (CODOG) propulsion system, able to operate in [[Sea State]] 5, and capable of operating a [[Sikorsky SH-60 Seahawk|Seahawk]]-size helicopter.<ref>Greener, ''Timing is everything'', p. 159</ref> The ship was to be fitted with a {{convert|76|or|127|mm|abbr=on}} main gun and an eight-cell launcher for a point-defence missile system, and fitted for but not with a torpedo system, anti-ship missiles, and a [[close-in weapons system]].<ref>Greener, ''Timing is everything'', pp. 159–60</ref> Tenders were requested by the project at the end of 1986, and 19 submissions were made, 12 of which included ship designs: the Netherlands' M-class (later {{sclass|Karel Doorman|frigate|0}}) frigate, a design based on the German [[MEKO 200]] multipurpose frigate design, Italy's {{sclass|Maestrale|frigate|0}} frigate, the French F2000 design, the Canadian {{sclass|Halifax|frigate|0}} frigate, the German Type 122 (later {{sclass|Bremen|frigate|0}} frigate), Norway's {{sclass|Nordkapp|offshore patrol vessel|0}} offshore patrol vessel, the British [[Type 23 frigate]] (which was proposed by two different shipyards), South Korea's {{sclass|Ulsan|frigate|0}} frigate, and an [[airship]] design proposed by [[Airship Industries]].<ref name=Greener30>Greener, ''Timing is everything'', p. 30</ref><ref name=Jones244/> By August 1987, a cost ceiling of A$3.5 billion (1986 terms) was established, and the submitted proposals were narrowed down in October to Blohm + Voss's MEKO design, the M class offered by [[Royal Schelde]], and a scaled-down version of the British Type 23 proposed by [[Yarrow Shipbuilders]].<ref name=Jones245/><ref name=Greener31>Greener, ''Timing is everything'', p. 31</ref> The Type 23 proposal was eliminated in November 1987, with the other two going into a development phase where the designer partnered with an Australian shipbuilder: Blohm + Voss with [[AMECON]], and Royal Schelde with [[Australian Warship Systems]].<ref name=Jones245/><ref name=Greener31/>
[[File:NRP Corte Real (F 332) participates in a pass and review during the North Atlantic Council at Sea Day.jpg|thumb|left|The Portuguese frigate {{ship|NRP|Corte-Real|F332|6}}. The MEKO 200 variant designed for the Portuguese was the basis of Blohm + Voss and AMECON's successful proposal.]]

On 14 August 1989, the Australian government announced that AMECON had been awarded the tender for construction of the ''Anzac'' class based on modified MEKO 200 design.<ref name=Jones245/><ref name=Greener31/> Although both the MEKO 200 and M-class designs met the design requirements, the MEKO design was selected as more ships could be purchased for the budget cost.<ref name=Jones245/> The A$5 billion contract was, at the time, the largest defence contract awarded in Australia.<ref name=GrazebrookSail>Grazebrook, ''Anzac frigates sail diverging courses''</ref> The decision was made despite ongoing debate in New Zealand over the project.<ref name=Greener42>Greener, ''Timing is everything'', p. 42</ref> New Zealand committed in principle to the purchase of two frigates plus the option for two more on 7 September, and the contract for the first two ships was signed on 10 November.<ref>Greener, ''Timing is everything'', pp. 43–4</ref>

In 1992, the Australian Force Structure Review contained plans to replace the three {{sclass|Perth|destroyer|0}} guided-missile destroyers and four of the six {{sclass|Adelaide|frigate|0}} guided-missile frigates with air defence vessels.<ref name=Gulber4>Gulber, ''Growth in Strength'', p. 4</ref> The initial proposal – to build an additional six ''Anzac''-class frigates configured for wide-area [[anti-aircraft warfare]] –  did not go ahead as the ''Anzac'' design was too small to effectively host all the required equipment and weapons.<ref name=Gulber4/> Instead, the RAN began to [[Adelaide-class frigate#FFG Upgrade|upgrade the ''Adelaide''s]] in 1999 to fill the anti-aircraft capability that would be lost when the ''Perth''s left service between 1999 and 2001, and began work on a long-term replacement of the destroyers with what became the {{sclass|Hobart|destroyer|0}} air warfare destroyer.<ref name=Gulber5>Gulber, ''Growth in Strength'', p. 5</ref>

===New Zealand controversy===

[[File:HMNZS Te Kaha (F77) underway in the Philippine Sea on 2 July 2017.JPG|thumb|HMNZS ''Te Kaha'' in 2017]]

From the late 1960s decision of the UK government to withdraw the Royal Navy from [[East of Suez]] in the early 1970s considerable doubt existed within the RNZN, the government, and community about the continuing relevance, viability, and usefulness of an RNZN force of three to four frigates. The option of the [[United States Coast Guard]]'s (USCG) {{sclass2|Hamilton|cutter|1}}s was seriously considered as an alternative to the order of HMNZS ''Canterbury'' in 1968, which was approved under the understanding that New Zealand would hold continued access to the UK market after Britain entered the [[European Economic Community]] and was affordable only because it was part of a British deal with the Yarrow shipyard to build seven RN, Chilean and RNZN ''Leander''s at less than the cost to save shipyard jobs in Scotland.{{Citation needed|date=September 2019}}

During the late 1970s, proposals for a modified ''Hamilton''-class cutter with less range or the RN [[Type 21 frigate]] with similar anti-submarine capability to a ''Leander'' but with a smaller crew and with less AW, AA, an AD. Both these proposals and others for full combat Dutch or American {{sclass|Oliver Hazard Perry|frigate|1}}s were rejected by the Muldoon government and in the early 1980s a number of retired naval officers and political scientists like Helen Clark and Robert Miles were seriously debating and writing papers and articles suggesting options such as RN OPVs, the {{sclass2|Castle|patrol vessel|0}} and the USCG's WMEC ''Bear'' class. The navy was interested in some of these ideas, but only for the option proposed by the 1978 Defence Review of acquiring two OPVs to patrol the expanded EEZ and free the ''Leander''s for other uses and for replacement of the inadequate and worn out {{sclass2|Lake|patrol vessel|1}}s. After the election of the Lange Labour government, thinking on alternatives to frigates for the RNZN had moved towards purpose-built designs rather like the Irish Navy's {{ship|LÉ|Eithne|P31|2}} patrol corvette, a sort of 1,800-ton high endurance corvette with ''Leander''-like helicopter hangar and pad<ref group=note>The Irish corvettes were mentioned by a number of commentators like Hager and Miles and were one alternative option actually thought ideal in a background interview with Cmdr I. Bradley by Miles in 1983 and some of these ideas were developed in NBR articles by R.Miles in 1983 and in particular 1985{{citation needed|date=November 2023}}</ref> or small Meko 100–140 designs<ref>J.Moore. ed Janes Fighting Ships in ''Janes Naval Review 1983''.</ref> rather different from the {{sclass|Espora|corvette|1}}s built for Argentina. After the nuclear ships crisis and other events, the acquisition of some ''Anzac'' frigates was virtually certain, because the key Labour MP Jim Anderton either accepted the ''Anzac'' ships as a necessary increased self-defence capability with the securing of a nuclear-free policy or tacitly agreed not to oppose it like Helen Clark.{{Citation needed|date=September 2019}}

The new most touted off-the-shelf options in 1986–88 (the Castle and ''Bear''-class vessels) were no longer possible as the Scottish shipbuilders had closed and development of the ''Bear'' cutter option into a stretched vessel was effectively impossible after the ANZUS impasse. The New Zealand government's planned acquisition of the ''Anzac''-class frigates was a major point of debate and contention: researcher Peter Greener claims that it "was possibly the most strongly debated defence purchase of the century".<ref name=Greener31/> In New Zealand, at the time, "frigate" was a dirty word and attempts to make the replacement of the old navy ships more palatable to the public included using euphemisms like "ocean combat ship" and "ocean surveillance vessel".<ref>Greener, ''Timing is everything'', pp. 26–8, 37</ref> The government's official stance was dedication to maintaining a blue-water navy, primarily in order to defend the nation and contribute to regional security.<ref>Greener, ''Timing is everything'', pp. 31, 35</ref> Despite this, the government was slow to respond to opponents of the project which included peace campaigners, politicians (from both within and outside the Labour Party, and from both ends of the [[political spectrum]]), and military personnel.<ref name=Greener31/><ref name="ReferenceA">Bassett, ''Working with David'', pp. 400, 407, 461, 470, 518{{page needed|date=September 2011|reason=Need to match specific pages to specific statements}}</ref> Most of the concern revolved around the cost of purchasing frigate-type ships, along with the idea that four high-capability warships would be too few and too overspecialised to operate in the roles envisioned for the RNZN.<ref>Greener, ''Timing is everything'', pp. 31–2</ref>

[[File:RDN F357 Thetis.jpg|thumb|left|The Danish patrol frigate {{HDMS|Thetis|F357|6}}. The ''Thetis'' class was one of the alternates proposed during debates on New Zealand's acquisition of the ''Anzac'' class.]]

The primary role foreseen for the RNZN was fisheries protection, particularly following the introduction of a {{convert|200|nmi|lk=in|adj=on}} exclusive economic zone by the 1982 [[United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea]]; this was thought to require a minimum of six vessels to effectively police.<ref>Greener, ''Timing is everything'', p. 32</ref> Peace campaigners claimed that the purchase of the ''Anzac''s was a politically motivated decision made under pressure from Australia, which was trying to support its shipbuilding industry, and stated that the Fourth Labour Government was undermining its commitment to reduce the nation's deficit by spending so much on high-tech warships (although figures of $NZ20 billion for purchase and 20 years of operation was misquoted as an upfront lump sum).<ref>Greener, ''Timing is everything'', p. 32-4</ref> There were also concerns that by possessing modern warships, New Zealand would be "dragged" back into ANZUS.<ref>Greener, ''Timing is everything'', pp. 33–4</ref> One proposal suggested to avoid this was that the New Zealand ''Anzac''s be fitted with inferior engines that would reduce the vessels' top speed and make it impossible to operate with [[United States Navy]] fleets.<ref name=Hensley304/> However, these changes would have incurred major additional expenses.<ref name=Hensley304/> A recurring alternate proposal was the purchase of the British Castle-class patrol vessel design.<ref>Greener, ''Timing is everything'', p. 40</ref> Two months after tenders for the project closed, the managing director of [[Svendborg Skibsværft]] began to campaign for the construction of the Danish IS-86 patrol vessel (later designated the {{sclass|Thetis|patrol vessel|0}} frigate) for the RNZN.<ref>Greener, ''Timing is everything'', pp. 40–1</ref> In response to these proposals, the government indicated that it was committing to purchasing Australian ships, and that interoperability with the RAN (which the alternate ship designs were incapable of) was a major element in the decision.<ref name=Greener42/>

At the time of the August 1989 decision for AMECON to build the MEKO-based frigate, the controversy was still ongoing in New Zealand.<ref name=Greener42/> [[David Lange]], a major supporter of the ''Anzac'' project, had only just resigned from the prime ministership.<ref name=Greener42/> Despite the Labour Party's national conference rejecting the frigate project a year earlier, the purchase of two ''Anzac''s, with the option to acquire two more, was approved by Prime Minister [[Geoffrey Palmer (New Zealand politician)|Geoffrey Palmer]]'s cabinet on 4 September, then a majority of the Labour caucus on 7 September.<ref name="ReferenceA"/><ref name=Greener43>Greener, ''Timing is everything'', p. 43</ref> From the government's perspective, the ''Anzac'' project was being seen as a [[litmus test (politics)|litmus test]] of New Zealand's commitment to (among other things) [[Australia-New Zealand relations|relations with Australia]] and regional defence, particularly after the problems between New Zealand and the United States.<ref name=Hensley304>Hensley, ''Final Approaches'', p. 304</ref><ref>Greener, ''Timing is everything'', pp. 26–7, 34–5</ref>

Despite the government signing contracts for the purchase of two ''Anzac''s in November 1989, the project continued to be a bone of contention in New Zealand politics, particularly after the Fourth Labour Government lost the [[New Zealand general election, 1990|1990 election]] to the [[National Party (New Zealand)|National Party]], which formed the [[Fourth National Government of New Zealand|Fourth National Government]].<ref name=Greener44>Greener, ''Timing is everything'', p. 44</ref> In 1992, Minister of Defence [[Warren Cooper]] began claiming in several arenas that exercising the option for two more frigates may not be necessary.<ref name=Greener77>Greener, ''Timing is everything'', p. 77</ref> Following the [[New Zealand general election, 1996|1996 election]], the National Party retained power, but only in coalition with the [[New Zealand First party]], which opposed the purchase of additional frigates.<ref name=Greener79>Greener, ''Timing is everything'', p. 79</ref> Other options for replacing the two remaining ''Leander''s were explored, but these were generally more expensive than purchasing the ''Anzac''s.<ref>Greener, ''Timing is everything'', pp. 79–80</ref> The US Clinton Administration partly discredited the option of a third ''Anzac'' by formally offering the RNZN two ''Oliver Hazard Perry''-class frigate shorthulls of 15–17 years age, purportedly armed with SM1 Standard missiles and later 28 [[General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon|F-16 Fighting Falcon]] aircraft which it had refused to transfer to Pakistan. These offers were made partly because of US concern that Australia needed more regional defence support to conduct a more robust foreign and economic policy in SE Asia. However the F-16 offer, offered the NZ cabinet an option and out and they took it, rather than be immensely unpopular in both Canberra and Washington by rejecting both.<ref>J. Clifton. The Listener 1997</ref> In the view of NZ PM Jenny Shipley the Australians had made a good offer, but it was not good enough and there were many alternative ship designs. Internal political opposition, particularly from New Zealand First, prevented the exercising of the contract option for two more ships before it lapsed on 10 November 1997, at which point the government was considering the purchase of a single frigate outside the terms of the original contract.<ref name=Hoadley>Hoadley, ''No More Anzacs Despite Cash Plan, Says NZealand''</ref><ref>Greener, ''Timing is everything'', pp. 81–3</ref> A year later, the idea was still being debated internally although the proposal had been downgraded to buying one of the active Australian ''Anzac''s second-hand which the RAN could then replace by building an additional ship.<ref>Greener, ''Timing is everything'', pp. 83–4</ref> At this point, the National-New Zealand First coalition had collapsed, and the National Party was only holding on to power by the support of minority parties and independents; support that was likely to be withdrawn if a third frigate was approved.<ref>Greener, ''Timing is everything'', pp. 85–6</ref> Cabinet rejected the plan, and the issue of replacing the ''Leander''-class frigate {{HMNZS|Canterbury|F421|2}} was deferred.<ref>Greener, ''Timing is everything'', p. 86</ref>

==Design at launch==
The ''Anzac'' design is derived from Blohm + Voss' MEKO 200 PN (or {{sclass|Vasco da Gama|frigate|0}}) frigate, and is identified by the company as the MEKO 200 ANZ.<ref>Wertheim, ''The Naval Institute Guide to Combat Fleets of the World'', pp. 20–1</ref> In addition to capability modifications to meet RAN and RNZN requirements, the ships were redesigned during the development phase to maximise the involvement of Australian and New Zealand industries through the use of locally sourced components: 80% of the materials (by value) was locally sourced, and within this, 20% must come from New Zealand.<ref name=GrazebrookSail/> The ''Anzac''s were designed to [[German Navy]] standards, except where Australian or United States standards were specifically requested.<ref name=GrazebrookSail/>

Each frigate has a {{convert|3,600|t|LT|adj=on}} [[full load displacement]].<ref name=Sharpe25.470>Sharpe (ed.), ''Jane's Fighting Ships 1998–99'', pp. 25, 470</ref> The ships are {{convert|109|m|ftin}} long at the [[waterline length|waterline]], and {{convert|118|m|ftin}} [[length overall|long overall]], with a [[Beam (nautical)|beam]] of {{convert|14.8|m|ftin}}, and a [[draught (hull)|draught]] at full load of {{convert|4.35|m|ftin}}.<ref name=Sharpe25.470/> The hull and superstructure are of all-steel construction, and the ships are fitted with [[Stabilizer (ship)|fin stabilisers]].<ref name=Sharpe25.470/><ref name=Wertheim21/>
[[File:Te Kaha's Boxed Fury, Gas Turbine.jpg|thumb|left|The LM2500-30 gas turbine aboard ''Te Kaha'']]

The frigates use a [[combined diesel or gas]] (CODOG) propulsion machinery layout, with a single, {{convert|30172|hp|adj=on}} [[General Electric LM2500]]-30 gas turbine and two {{convert|8,840|hp|adj=on}} MTU 12V1163 TB83 diesel engines driving the ship's two [[Variable-pitch propeller (marine)|controllable-pitch propellers]].<ref name=GrazebrookSail/><ref name=Sharpe25.470/> Maximum speed is {{convert|27|kn}}, and maximum range is over {{convert|6,000|nmi}} at {{convert|18|kn}}.<ref name=Sharpe25.470/> The frigates' range is about 50% greater than other MEKO-type frigates, due to an enhanced fuel supply.<ref name=GrazebrookSail/><ref name=Wertheim21/> Originally, two gas turbines were to be fitted; this layout would have provided a top speed of {{convert|31.75|kn}}.<ref name=Wertheim21>Wertheim, ''The Naval Institute Guide to Combat Fleets of the World'', p. 21</ref> The starboard turbine was cancelled to save costs.<ref name=Wertheim21/>

The standard ship's company of an ''Anzac'' consists of 22 officers and 141 sailors.<ref name=Sharpe25.470/> Onboard electricity requirements are met by four MTU diesel generators.<ref name=GrazebrookSail/> Each ship can carry up to {{convert|29|m3}} of dry provisions, {{convert|29|m3}} of refrigerated provisions, and {{convert|54|t}} of fresh water.<ref name=Wertheim21/>

{{Clear}}

===Armament===
[[File:HMAS Arunta 5inch.jpg|thumb|[[5"/54 caliber Mark 45 gun|Mark 45]] 5-inch 54-caliber main gun aboard {{HMAS|Arunta|FFH 151|6}}, with side inspection panel open]]

At the time of construction, the main weapon for the ''Anzac''s was a United Defense [[5"/54 caliber Mark 45 gun|5-inch 54 calibre Mark 45 Mod 2 dual purpose gun]].<ref name=GrazebrookSail/><ref name=Sharpe25.470/> The forward-mounted gun is capable of firing {{convert|32|kg|adj=on}} shells at a rate of 20 rounds per minute, to a distance of {{convert|23|km}}.<ref name=Sharpe25.470/> The barrel can elevate to 65 degrees.<ref name=Sharpe25.470/> This was supplemented by a Tactical-length eight-cell Lockheed Martin [[Mark 41 Vertical Launching System|Mark 41 Mod 5 vertical launch system]] for [[RIM-7 Sea Sparrow]] missiles as a [[point-defence]] system.<ref name=GrazebrookSail/><ref name=Sharpe25.470/> The Sea Sparrow is a [[semi-active radar homing]] missile, with a {{convert|39|kg|adj=on}} warhead, a range of {{convert|14.6|km}}, and a top speed of [[Mach number|Mach]] 2.5.<ref name=Sharpe25.470/> Two {{convert|12.7|mm|adj=on}} machine guns were fitted for close defence.<ref name=Sharpe25.470/>

A missile-armed helicopter was a key component of the frigates' armament.<ref name=GrazebrookSail/> When construction started, both navies were planning for, but had yet to identify, new helicopters to be operated by the frigates; as an interim measure, the RAN used [[Sikorsky SH-60 Seahawk|Sikorsky S-70B-2 Seahawks]], while the RNZN embarked [[Westland Wasp]]s.<ref name=GrazebrookSail/>

Ships were fitted for but not with a [[close-in weapons system]], two quad-canister [[Harpoon (missile)|Harpoon]] anti-ship missile launchers, and a second Mark 41 launcher.<ref name=GrazebrookSail/> After the ships were completed, both navies fitted [[Mark 32 Surface Vessel Torpedo Tubes|Mark 32 three-tube torpedo launchers]] to their frigates.<ref name=Sharpe25.470/> These were taken from older ships where possible; for example, ''Te Kaha''{{'}}s launchers came from {{HMNZS|Southland||2}}.<ref name=Sharpe25.470/><ref name=Greener46/> The launchers were configured to fire the [[Mark 46 torpedo|Mark 46 Mod 5 torpedo]], an active/passive homing torpedo with a range of {{convert|11|km}} at {{convert|40|kn}}, and a {{convert|44|kg|adj=on}} warhead.<ref name=Sharpe25.470/>

===Sensors and systems===
The radar suite includes a Raytheon SPS-49(V)8 ANZ radar for aerial search and long-range surveillance, a [[Saab AB|Saab]] 9LV 453 Target Indication Radar for air and surface search, an Atlas Elektronik 9600 ARPA navigational radar, and a second [[Saab Group|Saab]] 9LV 453 unit for fire control.<ref name=GrazebrookSail/><ref name=Sharpe25.470/> All ships were initially fitted with a ThomsonSintra Spherion B hull-mounted bow sonar, for active search and attack operations.<ref name=GrazebrookSail/> From ''Warramunga'' onwards, ships were launched with a Petrel Mine and Obstacle Avoidance Sonar system.<ref name=Sharpe25.470/><ref name=Dennis32/> this was later retrofitted to ''Anzac''. All ships were fitted for but not with a towed-array sonar, with the RAN and RNZN following separate acquisition programs for these.<ref name=GrazebrookSail/> The frigates were also fitted for but not with SATCOM and a Helo datalink.<ref name=Sharpe25.470/>

Countermeasures and electronic warfare equipment fitted at launch included [[Mark 36 SRBOC]] launchers, an [[AN/SLQ-25 Nixie|SLQ-25A]] towed torpedo decoy, four four-cell [[Nulka]] decoy launchers, Racal Thorn modified Sceptre-A [[electronic support measures]] (ESM) equipment, and a Telefunken PST-1720 Telegon 10 radar intercept unit.<ref name=Sharpe25.470/><ref name=Scott05/> The ''Anzac''s were fitted for but not with offboard active ECM systems.<ref name=Sharpe25.470/> The Sceptre-A equipment was unable to meet the required performance specifications, and [[Thales UK]] (which previously acquired Racal Thorn) was contracted in 2001 to replace the units with the Centaur ESM.<ref name=Scott05/>

A [[Cossor]] AIMS Mark XII [[identification friend or foe|identification-friend-or-foe]] system is also installed.<ref name=Sharpe25.470/>

The core of the ''Anzac''s' combat system was built around CelsiusTech's (now Saab) [[9LV]] 453 Mark 3 distributed command and fire-control system.<ref name=GrazebrookSail/>

==Construction==
On 14 August 1989, AMECON was awarded the tender to build the Blohm + Voss designed frigate.<ref name=Jones245/><ref name=Greener31/> The frigates were to be constructed at the AMECON shipyard in [[Williamstown, Victoria]] (formerly [[Williamstown Naval Dockyard]]), but the modular design of the frigate allowed sections of the ships to be constructed throughout Australia and New Zealand, with final assembly in Williamstown.<ref name=Jones245/> Each vessel was made up of six hull modules and six superstructure modules.<ref name=GrazebrookSail/> All of lead ship ''Anzac''s modules were assembled at Williamstown, but for later ships, the superstructure modules were fabricated in [[Whangārei]], and hull modules were built at both Williamstown and [[Newcastle, New South Wales]].<ref name=GrazebrookSail/> Unlike previous shipbuilding contracts, AMECON was contractually obliged to meet only the navy's set commissioning dates for the ships; all other construction deadlines were to be determined at the shipbuilder's discretion.<ref name=GrazebrookSail/>

The second and fourth ships to be built were allocated to the New Zealanders.<ref name=Sharpe25.470/> The third and fifth ships to be produced were earmarked for the RNZN in the event that approval to order two more frigates was given, with two more ships for the RAN to be added at the end of the production run.<ref name=GrazeLok>Grazebrook & Lok, ''RAN sets course to crack the WIP for ANZAC frigates''</ref> Project offsets meant that construction costs for the New Zealand ships were about 20% less than the Australian vessels.<ref name=Greener43/>

Steel cutting for the first ship, {{HMAS|Anzac|FFH 150|2}}, commenced on 27 March 1992.<ref name=Sharpe25.470/> Work on the first New Zealand ship, {{HMNZS|Te Kaha|F77|6}}, began in February 1993.<ref name=Greener46>Greener, ''Timing is everything'', p. 46</ref> ''Anzac'' commissioned into the RAN in May 1996, and ''Te Kaha'' into the RNZN in July 1997.<ref>Greener, ''Timing is everything'', pp. 45–6</ref> In early 2002, the first four ships found to have microscopic cracks in the bilge keel and hull plating.<ref name=Wertheim21/><ref name=Greener46/> The ships' hulls were repaired and reinforced.<ref name=Wertheim21/> Construction of the final vessel, {{HMAS|Perth|FFH 157|6}}, began in July 2003, with the vessel commissioning into the RAN in August 2006.<ref name=Wertheim20.504/><ref name=PerthRAN/>

==Modifications and improvements==
The ''Anzac''-class ships were designed with a minimum standard of offensive and defensive weapons, with other equipment fitted "for but not with".<ref name=Greener46/><ref name=Dennis32>Dennis et al., ''The Oxford Companion to Australian Military History'', p. 32</ref> The RAN and RNZN began to plan for upgrades to their frigates before all of the ships entered service; these upgrades were planned and executed on a national basis.<ref name=Greener46/><ref name=Dennis32/>

===Australian modifications===
[[File:HMAS Perth (FFH 157) CEAFAR phased array radars.jpg|thumb|left|upright|The CEAFAR [[active electronically scanned array]] radars fitted to HMAS ''Perth'' as part of the ASMD upgrade]]

The RAN commenced plans to improve their frigates' combat capability in 1996, with the Warfighting Improvement Program (WIP).<ref name=Greener46/> Upgrades proposed under the WIP included installation of a [[phased-array]] radar, a second Mark 41 vertical launch system.<ref name=GrazeLok/> The WIP was scrapped near the end of 1999, and plans for a less ambitious anti-ship missile defence (ASMD) upgrade were made.<ref name=Scott05/> In 2004, Tenix, Saab, and the Department of Defence formed a Private Public Partnership to upgrade the anti-ship missile defence (ASMD) capability of the ''Anzac'' class, through the installation of [[CEA Technologies]]' CEAFAR and CEAMOUNT [[active electronically scanned array|active phased array]] radars, a Vampir NG [[Infrared Search and Track]] system, and Sharpeye Navigational Radar Systems.<ref name=Scott05/><ref name=thenavy16.17/> On 18 January 2010, ''Perth'' docked at the [[Australian Marine Complex]] in [[Henderson, Western Australia]] for the ASMD upgrade.<ref name=thenavy16.17>Navy League of Australia, ''ASMD Upgrade commences on Perth'', pp. 16–17</ref> Both of the frigate's masts were replaced, and the [[operations room]] layout was improved.<ref name=thenavy16.17/> Additional ballast was required to maintain stability, and the combined weight increase brought the ship's full load displacement to 3,810 tons.<ref name=Nelson>Nelson, ''Anti-Ship Missile Defence trials head to sea''</ref><ref name=Saunders29>Saunders (ed.), ''IHS Jane's Fighting Ships 2012–2013'', p. 29</ref> After completion in October 2010, ''Perth'' was used to test the modifications, with trials completed in July 2011.<ref name=Scott>Scott, ''HMAS Perth begins pilot ANZAC frigate ASMD refit''</ref> Approval to upgrade the other seven RAN ''Anzac''s was granted in November 2011, with work on the A$650 million refits to begin in 2012.<ref>Clare, ''New Cutting Edge Missile Defence System for ANZAC Ships''</ref> As of March 2017, all eight ships of the RAN had completed the upgrade.<ref>{{cite press release|url=http://news.navy.gov.au/en/Mar2017/Fleet/3616|title=Upgrades Complete for Anzac Class|publisher=Royal Australian Navy|date=26 March 2017|access-date=27 March 2017}}</ref>

From ''Warramunga'' onwards, the frigates were launched with the ability to carry and fire the [[RIM-162 Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile]] (ESSM) as a replacement for the Sea Sparrow missile; these were quad-packed into the Mark 41 launcher for a payload of 32 missiles.<ref name=GrazebrookSail/> ''Warramunga'' was the first ship in the world fitted with the ESSM, and the first test firing was conducted aboard on 21 January 2003.<ref name=Saunders29/> The modifications entered operational service aboard three ships in June 2004.<ref name=Scott05/> A CEA Technologies solid-state [[continuous wave illuminator]] was also fitted as part of the ESSM system.<ref name=Scott05/>

From 2005 onwards, the RAN began fitting the ''Anzac''s and the ''Adelaide''s with [[Harpoon (missile)|Harpoon Block II]] missiles in two quad-tube canister launchers.<ref name=Wertheim22>Wertheim, ''The Naval Institute Guide to Combat Fleets of the World'', p. 22</ref> The Australian ''Anzac''s were fitted for but not with the launchers, but the originally planned location on 02 deck was found to be unsuitable, and the launchers were relocated to 01 deck, in front of the bridge.<ref name=Scott05/> Around the same time, the RAN began to fit all frigates deploying to the [[Persian Gulf]] with two [[M2 Browning|M2HB]] .50 calibre machine guns in [[Typhoon Weapon System#Mini Typhoon|Mini Typhoon]] mounts, installed on the aft corners of the hangar roof.<ref name=ScottEnhanced>Scott, ''Enhanced small-calibre systems offer shipborne stopping power''</ref> Two TopLite EO directors are used with the guns.<ref name=ScottEnhanced/>

The Mark 32 torpedo tubes aboard the Australian frigates were originally fitted with American [[Mark 46 torpedo|Mark 46 anti-submarine torpedoes]], but these were replaced with the French-Italian [[MU90 Impact]] torpedo prior to 2008.<ref name=FishGrevatt>Fish & Grevatt, ''Australia's HMAS Toowoomba test fires MU90 torpedo''</ref> ''Toowoomba'' was the first Australian ship to fire an MU90 torpedo, during a test firing in June 2008, and ''Stuart'' performed the first 'warshot' firing of an armed MU90.<ref name=FishGrevatt/><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.perthnow.com.au/news/breaking-news/first-warshot-mu90-torpedo-a-blast/story-fnhrvfuw-1226698573721 |title=First 'warshot' MU90 torpedo a blast |last=Australian Associated Press |date=16 August 2013 |work=news.com.au|access-date=24 August 2013}}</ref>

The RAN commenced tendering for a helicopter design to replace the Seahawks aboard the Australian ''Anzac''s in 1996, with a contract for 11 [[Kaman SH-2G Super Seasprite]] helicopters signed in 1997.<ref name=Grevatt/><ref name=StakesRise/> In addition to the ''Anzac''s, the acquired helicopter also had to be operable from the class of offshore patrol vessels the RAN was planning to build with the Royal Malaysian Navy (Malaysia later withdrew from the plan, and the RAN acquired the smaller {{sclass|Armidale|patrol boat|1}}s, which were not helicopter-equipped), with a second contract to be signed for these at a later date.<ref name=StakesRise>''Stakes rise in regional helicopter market'', in ''Jane's Navy International''</ref><ref name=Forbes>Forbes, ''How a helicopter deal flew into trouble''</ref><ref name=KerrPlain>Kerr, ''Plain sailing''</ref> In order to get the best capability for the cheapest price, the Australian Department of Defence opted to have Kaman acquire 40-year-old [[Kaman SH-2F Seasprite|SH-2F Seasprite]] airframes decommissioned by the United States Navy, and fit modern flight systems to the reconditioned airframes.<ref name=Forbes/> This approach led to major delays, and the helicopters were found to be inoperable in low-visibility conditions.<ref name=Grevatt/><ref name=Forbes/> By 2006, ten of the helicopters had been delivered, but none were permitted to fly.<ref name=Grevatt/> The Super Seasprite acquisition was cancelled outright in March 2008.<ref name=Grevatt/> Following the acquisition of the Romeo Seahawk helicopter variant, modifications to the ''Anzac''s began to embark the helicopter.<ref name=NavalTechnology3Sep15>{{cite news |url=http://www.naval-technology.com/news/newsbae-completes-anti-ship-missile-defence-upgrade-of-hmas-ballarat-4662569 |title=BAE completes anti-ship missile defence upgrade of HMAS Ballarat |date=3 September 2015 |work=naval-technology.com |publisher=Kable |access-date=9 September 2015}}</ref>

As part of the ANZAC Mid-life Capability Assurance Programme (AMCAP) upgrade under SEA 1448, Phase 4B, the SPS-49(V)8 was replaced with CEAFAR2-L L band [[phased array radar]], along with replacements of the Cossar Mk XII IFF, Exelis ES-3701 ESM and upgrades to the LESCUT, AN/SLR-25C torpedo self-defence system, and the Nulka active missile decoy capability.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2020/06/australian-anzac-class-frigates-upgrade-program-rolls-on/|title=Australian Anzac-class Frigates upgrade program rolls on|date=9 June 2020}}</ref>

In 2022, the government announced that the ''Anzac''-class would be armed with the [[Naval Strike Missile]] (NSM) to replace the Harpoon missile which would more than double the strike range.<ref>{{cite press release |author=Minister for Defence Peter Dutton |title=$3.5 billion to accelerate missile strike capabilities for the ADF |url=https://www.minister.defence.gov.au/media-releases/2022-04-05/35-billion-accelerate-missile-strike-capabilities-adf |website=Department of Defence Ministers |access-date=27 December 2024 |date=5 April 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release |last1=Simensen |first1=Ivar |title=Kongsberg has signed a Naval Strike Missile contract with Australia |url=https://www.kongsberg.com/kda/news/news-archive/2023/kongsberg-has-signed-a--naval-strike-missile-contract-with-australia/ |website=Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace |access-date=27 December 2024 |date=5 January 2023}}</ref> In June 2024, the [[Chief of Navy (Australia)|Chief of Navy]] Vice Admiral [[Mark Hammond (admiral)|Mark Hammond]] said that some of the ''Anzac''-class had been armed with the NSM.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Felton |first1=Ben |title=HMAS Sydney fitted with Naval Strike Missile |url=https://www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/hmas-sydney-fitted-with-naval-strike-missile |access-date=27 December 2024 |work=Australian Defence Magazine |date=6 June 2024}}</ref>

===New Zealand modifications===
As soon as the New Zealand ''Anzac''s entered service, a [[Phalanx CIWS]] weapons system, recycled from decommissioning various ''Leander'' frigates, was fitted to each new frigate in addition to the Mark 32 torpedo tube sets.<ref name=Greener46/>
[[File:NZ Seasprite 2008.jpg|thumb|An SH-2G Super Seasprite taking off from ''Te Mana'' in 2008]]

In 1997, the RNZN began steps to acquire five Kaman SH-2G Super Seasprite helicopters for the two frigates.<ref>Greener, ''Timing is everything'', pp. 46–7</ref> Unlike the Australians, the New Zealand contract specified new-build helicopters.<ref name=Grevatt>Grevatt, ''Australia cancels troubled Super Seasprite programme''</ref> [[Kaman Aerospace]] loaned four SH-2F Seasprites to the RNZN while the new helicopters were constructed: the SH-2Fs operated from February 1998 to August 2001, when the first two SH-2Gs were accepted into service.<ref name=Greener47>Greener, ''Timing is everything'', p. 47</ref>

In 2006, the RNZN fitted two Mini Typhoons for each of its ''Anzac''-class frigates.<ref name=ScottEnhanced/>

In 2007, ''Te Kaha'' began undergoing a series of major upgrades as part of the four-stage Platform Systems Upgrade (PSU), planning for which started in 2004.<ref name=Scott09>Scott, ''New Zealand invests in ANZAC upgrade path''</ref> The four areas of modification under the PSU were improved stability and compartment configuration changes, overhaul of the propulsion system, installation of a new Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS), and upgrades to [[HVAC|onboard environmental control]].<ref name=Scott09/> The stability upgrades were to accommodate predicted increases in displacement as updated equipment was installed on the ships.<ref name=Scott09/> As part of the modification, the ships' quarterdecks were partially enclosed, creating space for a gymnasium and improved laundry facilities.<ref name=Scott09/> Propulsion changes are primarily focused on replacing the TB83 diesel engines with the TB93, providing an additional {{convert|1.4|MW}} and higher speeds during diesel-only sailing.<ref name=Scott09/> The IPMS replacement is prompted by the perceived obsolescence of the current system by 2013; as of 2009, tendering for the new system was underway.<ref name=Scott09/> The environmental control upgrade is intended to improve personnel comfort during deployments to South East Asia, the Middle East, or similar climates, and will use more environmentally friendly products.<ref name=Scott09/> Each stage of the upgrade is organised to occur simultaneously with ship maintenance dockings, with the first two upgrades being installed during each ship's major maintenance docking in 2009 and 2010 respectively, then the other two upgrades during the next docking in the 2011–2012 period.<ref name=Scott09/>

A series of austere upgrades were approved on 14 April 2014, at an original contract cost of NZ 446m under the ANZAC Frigate Systems Upgrade (FSU) programme.<ref>{{cite press release|url=http://www.defence.govt.nz/acquisitions-tenders/current-acquisition-projects/anzac-ships-upgrade-fsu.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160121234958/http://defence.govt.nz/acquisitions-tenders/current-acquisition-projects/anzac-ships-upgrade-fsu.html |title=ANZAC Ships Upgrade Frigate Systems Upgrade (FSU) |publisher=Ministry of Defence of New Zealand |archive-date=21 January 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref> These include the replacement of the existing combat management system, with a system modelled on that of the RCN ''Halifax''-class frigates awarded to [[Lockheed Martin]],<ref>{{cite press release|url=http://www.lockheedmartin.com/us/news/press-releases/2014/may/140501-mst-cms-new-zealand-mod-awards-upgrade.html|title=New Zealand Ministry of Defence Awards Upgrade Program to Lockheed Martin Canada|publisher=Lockheed Martin|date=1 May 2014|access-date=20 December 2016}}.</ref> The British [[CAMM (missile family)|Sea Ceptor]] anti-air missile replaced the Sea Sparrow on 27 May 2014.<ref>{{cite press release|url=http://www.mbda-systems.com/press-releases/new-zealand-contract-signed-for-mbdas-sea-ceptor|title=New Zealand contract signed for MBDA's Sea Ceptor|publisher=MBDA|date=27 May 2014|access-date=20 December 2016}}</ref> Other changes included the Norwegian Penguin Mk 2 Mod 7 for the Seasprite helicopters and the fitting of a Sea Sentor Surface Ship Torpedo Defence, or SSTD system, as well as MASS (Multi Ammunition Softkill System).<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.rheinmetall-defence.com/en/rheinmetall_defence/public_relations/news/archiv/archive2016/index~1_6720.php|title=New capabilities and a new MASS ship protection system customer}}</ref> A new inertial navigation positioning system (Northrop Grumman) and navigation radar and SharpEye™ surveillance radars with an Agile Tracker has been fitted.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/news/defence-news/year-2015-news/february-2015-navy-naval-forces-defense-industry-technology-maritime-security-global-news/2404-kelvin-hughes-to-supply-sharpeye-radar-systems-for-royal-new-zealand-navy-anzac-frigates.html | title=Kelvin Hughes To Supply SharpEye Radar Systems for Royal New Zealand Navy ANZAC Frigates}}</ref>  The main radar will be the Thales [[SMART-S Mk2]] 3D radar.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://operationnels.com/2014/09/23/thales-to-equip-new-zealands-anzac-frigates-with-smart-s-mk2-radar/ | title=THALES TO EQUIP NEW ZEALAND'S ANZAC FRIGATES WITH SMART-S MK2 RADAR| date=23 September 2014}}</ref> Other sensors and upgrades include Link 16, laser warning, and IFF. The Lockheed Martin Combat Management System 330 is also installed on the RNZN frigates,<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.lockheedmartin.com/en-ca/cms330.html#:~:text=Lockheed%20Martin%20Canada's%20Combat%20Management,Canadian%20Navy's%20HALIFAX%20Class%20ships.&text=As%20a%20result%2C%20CMS%20330,than%20a%20combat%20system%20solution. | title = CMS 330 in Action| date = 26 November 2020}}</ref> as it increases the eyes on each screen, covering lesser sensors and crew.

==Operational history==
[[File:HMAS Anzac Aug 2007.jpg|thumb|left|''Anzac'' operating near the Iraqi [[Khor Al Amaya Oil Terminal]] in 2007]]
[[File:OtagoTeKahaTaupo.JPG|thumb|''Te Kaha'' (centre), berthed with the offshore patrol vessel {{HMNZS|Otago|P148|2}} (left) and inshore patrol vessel {{HMNZS|Taupo|2008|6}} (right) in Wellington in 2010. The latter two ships were introduced under [[Project Protector]] to update the RNZN patrol force, and reduce the requirement for the ''Anzac''s to undertake local patrol duties.]]

In 1999, ''Te Kaha'' pursued [[Patagonian Toothfish]] poachers in the [[Ross Dependency]], participated in the [[INTERFET]] multinational deployment to East Timor, and operated as part of the [[Multinational Interception Force]] in the Persian Gulf in 1999.<ref name=Greener47/><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/navy-frigate-te-kaha-duty-gulf |title=Navy Frigate Te Kaha For Duty In The Gulf |author=Max Bradford |date=1999-06-16 |publisher=New Zealand Government }}</ref> The New Zealand frigates served periods as guardships at the Solomon Islands capital of Honiara between 2000 and 2001.<ref name=Greener47/> In 2002, ''Te Kaha'' returned to the Persian Gulf, this time as part of [[Operation Enduring Freedom]], after a four-month [[flag-showing]] deployment in Asian waters.<ref name=Greener47/> The frigate was replaced in the Gulf by ''Te Mana'' in early 2003.<ref name=Greener47/>

In March 2003, ''Anzac'' provided fire support for [[Royal Marines]] during the [[Battle of Al Faw (2003)|Battle of Al Faw]] during the [[2003 Invasion of Iraq]].<ref name=Scott05>Scott, ''Updating ANZACs to meet changed strategic posture''</ref>

A 2002 review of the RNZN's abilities found that the navy was not meeting its patrol capability requirements; one of the contributing factors was that the New Zealand ''Anzac''s were both too few and overcapable for EEZ patrols, and deploying them in this manner prevented them from more effective use elsewhere.<ref name=McKinnon>McKinnon, ''New Zealand's navy follows a new heading''</ref> Remedying this was one of the aims of [[Project Protector]], a multi-ship acquisition project which saw three new classes of ship enter RNZN service.<ref name=McKinnon/>

[[File:HMAS Warramunga (FFH 152) and Perth (FFH 157) at Australian Marine Complex, Henderson, September 2019.jpg|thumb|left|From left to right: ''Warramunga'', ''Anzac'' and ''Perth'' at the Australian Marine Complex hardstand, September 2019]]
From 2018, the Anzac-class frigates were undergoing their Midlife Capability Assurance Program (AMCAP) upgrade at the Australian Marine Complex, Henderson, Western Australia, a process scheduled to be completed by 2023. ''Arunta'' was the first ship to undergo the upgrade, followed by ''Anzac'' and ''Warramunga''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.defenceconnect.com.au/maritime-antisub/2864-hmas-anzac-set-to-start-latest-warship-upgrade-program |title=HMAS Anzac set to start latest warship upgrade program |date=11 September 2018 |publisher=Defence Connect |access-date=4 October 2019 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2020/06/third-anzac-class-frigate-gets-her-new-mast-as-part-of-amcap-upgrade |title=Third ANZAC-Class Frigate Gets Her New Mast As Part Of AMCAP Upgrade |date=27 June 2020 |first=Xavier |last=Vavasseur |publisher=Naval News |access-date=30 March 2021}}</ref>

==Planned replacement==
{{update|date=February 2024}}
The RAN plans to begin removing their ''Anzac''s from service from 2024 onwards.<ref name=Thornhill/> To replace them, the {{sclass|Hunter|frigate|4}} of new frigates will be built under the SEA 5000 acquisition project.<ref name=Thornhill>Thornhill, ''Force 2030; The Defence White Paper'', pp. 11–12</ref> The frigates are predicted to have a displacement of up to {{convert|7000|t}}, and although they will be primarily oriented towards anti-submarine warfare, they are expected to be capable of also operating against air, sea-surface, and land targets.<ref name=Thornhill/><ref name=MeadOnTrack/> Originally eight vessels were planned, but by August 2015, the number of planned ships had increased to nine, with an estimated cost of $20 billion.<ref name=Thornhill/><ref name=Kerin>{{cite news |last=Kerin |first=John |url=http://www.afr.com/news/politics/adelaide-to-host-navys-20-billion-frigate-construction-project-20150803-giqdcl |title=Adelaide to host navy's $20 billion frigate construction project |newspaper=Australian Financial Review |date=3 August 2015 |access-date=26 August 2015}}</ref> Construction is predicted to commence in 2020.{{update inline|date=February 2024}}<ref name=MeadOnTrack>{{cite news|url=http://navynews.realviewdigital.com/?iid=127437#folio=2 |title=On track to deliver even more |last=Mead |first=Jonathan |date=10 September 2015 |work=Navy News |access-date=7 September 2015}}</ref> The [[Abbott government]] promised that the two-decade construction project will be headquartered in South Australia, with shipbuilding divided between [[ASC Pty Ltd]] in South Australia and BAE Systems' [[Williamstown Dockyard]] in Victoria.<ref name=Kerin/> On 18 April 2016, Prime Minister [[Malcolm Turnbull]] (Abbott's successor) confirmed that [[BAE Systems Maritime – Naval Ships|BAE Systems]]' [[Type 26 frigate]], [[Fincantieri]]'s [[FREMM multipurpose frigate|FREMM frigate]] and a re-designed [[Álvaro de Bazán-class frigate|F-100-class]] frigate designed by [[Navantia]] had been shortlisted to replace the ANZAC-class in Australia. The Prime Minister confirmed that any frigate will be built in Adelaide and incorporate an Australian [[CEA Technologies|CEA]] phased array radar The program is estimated to be worth $35 billion. In June 2018 it was confirmed that BAE Systems's Type 26 had won the SEA5000 competition, with the in-service date for the new vessels being set for 2027.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-04-18/offshore-patrol-vessels-to-be-built-in-adelaide-pm-says/7334906|title=Malcolm Turnbull says 12 offshore patrol vessels to be built in Adelaide|last=Anderson|first=Stephanie|date=18 April 2016|website=ABC News|publisher=ABC News (Australia)|access-date=18 April 2016}}</ref>

The New Zealand ''Defence Capability Plan 2019'' states that the RNZN's ''Anzac''s will be replaced in the mid-2030s by "modern surface combatants relevant to New Zealand's prevailing strategic environment".<ref>{{cite book |last1=New Zealand Government |title=Defence Capability Plan 2019 |date=2019 |publisher=New Zealand Ministry of Defence |location=Wellington, New Zealand |isbn=978-0-478-27899-6 |page=34 |url=https://www.defence.govt.nz/publications/publication/defence-capability-plan-2019}}</ref>

In February 2024 it was announced that HMAS ''Anzac'' was due to decommission in 2024, the first of her class, to free up funding for a future enlargement of the RAN. Her sister ship, ''Arunta'', is scheduled to be decommissioned in 2026 while the remainder of the class would receive no more major upgrades.<ref name="Retirement">{{cite web |author=Ben Felton |date=20 February 2024 |title=Australia To Double Fleet Size With Small Warships |url=https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2024/02/australia-to-double-fleet-size-with-small-warships/ |access-date=24 February 2024 |publisher=Naval News}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.minister.defence.gov.au/transcripts/2024-02-20/press-conference-sydney |title=Surface Fleet Review |publisher=[[Australian Government]] |date=20 February 2024 |access-date=24 February 2024}}</ref>

==Ships==
{|class="wikitable"
|- 
! Name<ref name=Wertheim20.504>Wertheim (ed.), ''The Naval Institute Guide to Combat Fleets of the World'', pp. 20, 504</ref>
! Pennant number
! Builder
! Laid down<ref name=Wertheim20.504/>
! Launched<ref name=Wertheim20.504/>
! Commissioned<ref name=Wertheim20.504/>
! Decommissioned
!Notes<ref>{{Cite web|last=Kuper|first=Stephen|date=2020-06-09|title=Navy's frigate upgrade program continues to deliver|url=https://www.defenceconnect.com.au/maritime-antisub/6246-navy-s-frigate-upgrade-program-continues-to-deliver|access-date=2021-04-14|website=www.defenceconnect.com.au|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|publisher=Royal Australian Navy|title=Frigate, Helicopter (FFH)|url=https://www.navy.gov.au/fleet/ships-boats-craft/ffh|url-status=live|access-date=2021-09-02|website=www.navy.gov.au|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121008043702/http://www.navy.gov.au:80/fleet/ships-boats-craft/ffh |archive-date=8 October 2012 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Anzac Frigate Systems Upgrade |url=https://www.defence.govt.nz/what-we-do/delivering-defence-capability/defence-capability-projects/anzac-ships-upgrade-frigate-systems-upgrade-fsu|access-date=2021-04-14|website=www.defence.govt.nz}}</ref>
|-
!colspan=7 align=center|Royal Australian Navy
!
|-
|{{HMAS|Anzac|FFH 150|2}}
|FFH 150
|rowspan=8|[[Tenix Defence]], [[Williamstown, Victoria|Williamstown]]
|5 November 1993
|16 September 1994
|18 May 1996
|18 May 2024 <ref name=":0" />
|AMCAP
|-
|{{HMAS|Arunta|FFH 151|2}}
|FFH 151
|22 July 1995
|28 June 1996
|12 December 1998
|''Scheduled for 2026''<ref name=Retirement />
|AMCAP
|-
|{{HMAS|Warramunga|FFH 152|2}}
|FFH 152
|26 July 1997
|23 May 1998
|31 March 2001
|
|AMCAP
|-
|{{HMAS|Stuart|FFH 153|2}}
|FFH 153
|25 July 1998
|17 April 1999
|17 August 2002
|
|AMCAP
|-
|{{HMAS|Parramatta|FFH 154|2}}
|FFH 154
|24 April 1999
|17 June 2000
|4 October 2003
|
|AMCAP
|-
|{{HMAS|Ballarat|FFH 155|2}}
|FFH 155
|4 August 2000
|25 May 2002
|26 June 2004
|
|AMCAP
|-
|{{HMAS|Toowoomba|FFH 156|2}}
|FFH 156
|26 July 2002
|16 May 2003
|8 October 2005
|
|AMCAP
|-
|{{HMAS|Perth|FFH 157|2}}
|FFH 157
|24 July 2003
|20 March 2004
|26 August 2006<ref name=PerthRAN>Royal Australian Navy, ''HMAS Perth''</ref>
|
|AMCAP
|-
!colspan=7 align=center|Royal New Zealand Navy
!
|-
|{{HMNZS|Te Kaha|F77|2}}
|F77
|rowspan=2|[[Tenix Defence]], [[Williamstown, Victoria|Williamstown]]
|19 September 1994
|22 July 1995
|22 July 1997
|
|NZ FSU completed 2020
|-
|{{HMNZS|Te Mana|F111|2}}
|F111
|18 May 1996
|10 May 1997
|10 December 1999
|
|NZ FSU completed 2022<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2022/06/new-zealand-frigate-sails-home-following-upgrade/ | title=New Zealand Frigate Sails Home Following Upgrade | date=6 June 2022 }}</ref>
|-
|}

==Notes==
{{reflist|group="note"}}

==See also==
*[[List of ships of the Royal Australian Navy]]
*[[List of ships of the Royal New Zealand Navy]]
*[[List of naval ship classes in service]]

==Citations==
{{reflist|30em}}

==References==
===Books===
*{{cite book|last=Bassett |first=Michael |author-link=Michael Bassett |title=Working with David: Inside the Lange Cabinet |publisher=Hodder Moa |location=Auckland |year=2008 |isbn=978-1-86971-094-1}}
*{{cite book|last=Dennis |first=Peter |title=The Oxford Companion to Australian Military History |publisher=Oxford University Press Australia & New Zealand |location=Melbourne |year=2008 |edition=2nd |isbn=978-0-19-551784-2|display-authors=etal}}
*{{cite book |last=Greener |first=Peter |title=Timing is everything: the politics and processes of New Zealand defence acquisition decision making |publisher=ANU E Press |series=Canberra Papers on Strategy and Defence |volume=173 |location=Canberra, ACT |year=2009 |isbn=978-1-921536-65-6 |url=http://epress.anu.edu.au/timing_citation.html |access-date=1 September 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110407100508/http://epress.anu.edu.au/timing_citation.html |archive-date=7 April 2011 |url-status=dead }} [https://press-files.anu.edu.au/downloads/press/p22051/pdf/book.pdf Book] at [[Australian National University|ANU]].
*{{cite book|last=Hensley |first=Gerald |author-link=Gerald Hensley |title=Final Approaches: A Memoir |publisher=Auckland University Press |year=2006 |isbn=1-86940-378-9 }}
*{{cite book|last=Jones |first=Peter |editor=Stevens, David |title=The Royal Australian Navy |series=The Australian Centenary History of Defence (vol III) |year=2001 |publisher=Oxford University Press |chapter=A Period of Change and Uncertainty |location=South Melbourne, VIC |isbn=0-19-555542-2 |oclc=50418095}}
*{{cite book|last1=Fairall-Lee |first1=Sam |last2=Miller |first2=Kate |last3=Murphy |first3=David |title=Sea Power: Challenges Old and New |editor=Andrew Forbes |publisher=Halstead Press |location=Ultimo, NSW |year=2007 |chapter=The Royal Australian Navy in 2030 |isbn=978-1-920831-44-8 }}
*{{cite book |title=IHS Jane's Fighting Ships 2012–2013 |editor=Saunders, Stephen |publisher=IHS Jane's |location=Coulsdon |date=2012 |series=[[Jane's Fighting Ships]] |isbn=9780710630087 |oclc=793688752}}
*{{cite book |title=Jane's Fighting Ships 1998–99 |editor=Sharpe, Richard |publisher=Jane's Information Group |location=Coulsdon, Surrey |year=1998 |edition=101st |isbn=0-7106-1795-X |oclc=39372676}}
*{{cite book |title=The Naval Institute Guide to Combat Fleets of the World: Their Ships, Aircraft, and Systems |editor=Wertheim, Eric |publisher=Naval Institute Press |location=Annapolis, MD |year=2007 |edition=15th |isbn=978-1-59114-955-2 |oclc=140283156 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=TJunjRvplU4C}}
*{{cite book |title=Defence White Paper 2010 |publisher=Ministry of Defense |isbn=978-0-478-27831-6 |oclc=686705892 |date=November 2010}}

===Journal articles===
*{{cite journal|last1=Fish |first1=Tim |last2=Grevatt |first2=Jon |date=24 June 2008 |title=Australia's HMAS Toowoomba test fires MU90 torpedo |journal=Jane's Navy International |publisher=Jane's Information Group}}
*{{cite journal|last=Grazebrook |first=A.W. |date=1 November 1996 |title=Anzac frigates sail diverging courses |journal=Jane's Navy International |publisher=Jane's Information Group |volume=101 |issue=9}}
*{{cite journal|last=Grazebrook |first=A.W. |author2=Lok, Joris Janssen |date=1 April 1997 |title=RAN sets course to crack the WIP for ANZAC frigates |journal=Jane's Navy International |publisher=Jane's Information Group |volume=102 |issue=3}}
*{{cite journal|last=Gulber |first=Abraham |date=October 2009 |title=Growth in Strength: The Hobart class AWD |journal=The Navy |publisher=Navy League of Australia |volume=71 |issue=4 |pages=4–8}}
*{{cite journal|last=Jon |first=Grevatt |date=5 March 2008 |title=Australia cancels troubled Super Seasprite programme |journal=Jane's Defence Industry |publisher=Jane's Information Group}}
*{{Cite news|first=Julian |last=Kerr |title=Plain sailing: Australia's Armidales prove fit for task |work=Jane's Navy International |publisher=[[Jane's Information Group]] |date=1 January 2008}}
*{{cite journal|last=Hoadley |first=Steve |date=19 November 1997 |title=No More Anzacs Despite Cash Plan, Says NZealand |journal=Jane's Defence Weekly |volume=28 |issue=20}}
*{{cite journal|last=McKinnon |first=Phillip |date=1 November 2003 |title=New Zealand's navy follows a new heading |journal=Jane's Navy International |publisher=Jane's Information Group}}
*{{cite journal|date=April 2010 |title=ASMD Upgrade commences on Perth |journal=The Navy |publisher=[[Navy League of Australia]] |volume=72 |issue=2 |pages=16–17}}
*{{cite journal|last=Scott |first=Richard |date=16 December 2005 |title=Updating ANZACs to meet changed strategic posture |journal=Jane's Navy International |publisher=Jane's Information Group}}
*{{cite journal|last=Scott |first=Richard |date=12 December 2007 |title=Enhanced small-calibre systems offer shipborne stopping power |journal=International Defence Review |publisher=Jane's Information Group}}
*{{cite journal|last=Scott |first=Richard |date=22 September 2009 |title=New Zealand invests in ANZAC upgrade path |journal=International Defence Review |publisher=Jane's Information Group}}
*{{cite journal|last=Scott |first=Richard |date=5 May 2010 |title=HMAS Perth begins pilot ANZAC frigate ASMD refit |journal=International Defence Review |publisher=Jane's Information Group}}
*{{cite journal|last=Thornhill |first=Roger |date=July 2009 |title=Force 2030; The Defence White Paper |journal=The Navy |publisher=Navy League of Australia |volume=71 |issue=3 |pages=8–13}}
*{{cite journal|date=1 January 1996 |title=Stakes rise in regional helicopter market |journal=Jane's Navy International |publisher=Jane's Information Group |volume=101 |issue=1 |page=44}}

===News articles===
*{{cite news|url=http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2002/06/16/1023864378971.html |title=How a helicopter deal flew into trouble |last=Forbes |first=Mark |date=17 June 2002 |work=The Age |access-date=20 September 2011}}
*{{cite news |url=http://navynews.realviewdigital.com/?iid=117655#folio=8 |title=New-look, new crew |last=Henderson |first=Marc |date=23 April 2015|work=Navy News |publisher=Royal Australian Navy |page=8 |access-date=20 April 2015}}
*{{cite news|url=http://www.navy.gov.au/Anti-Ship_Missile_Defence_trials_head_to_sea |title=Anti-Ship Missile Defence trials head to sea |last=Nelson |first=Andy |date=24 March 2011 |publisher=Royal Australian Navy |access-date=11 May 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110602144705/http://www.navy.gov.au/Anti-Ship_Missile_Defence_trials_head_to_sea |archive-date=2 June 2011 }}
*{{cite news |last=Paroz |first=Des |date=15 November 2014 |title=Anzac's crew brings home a new capability |url=http://news.navy.gov.au/en/Nov2014/Fleet/1597#.VGZoMWscTIU |newspaper=Navy Daily |access-date=15 November 2014}}
*{{cite news|url=http://www.upi.com/Security_Industry/2009/08/05/Australia-finalizes-frigate-upgrade/UPI-35311249492799/ |title=Australia finalizes frigate upgrade |author=UPI |date=5 August 2009 |access-date=27 June 2010}}

===Press releases===
*{{cite press release |last=Clare |first=Jason |title=New Cutting Edge Missile Defence System for ANZAC Ships |url=http://www.minister.defence.gov.au/2011/11/28/minister-for-defence-and-minister-for-defence-materiel-%e2%80%93-new-cutting-edge-missile-defence-system-for-anzac-ships-2/ |publisher=Minister for Defence Materiel |access-date=28 November 2011 |date=28 November 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120227132115/http://www.minister.defence.gov.au/2011/11/28/minister-for-defence-and-minister-for-defence-materiel-%E2%80%93-new-cutting-edge-missile-defence-system-for-anzac-ships-2/ |archive-date=27 February 2012 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}

===Websites===
*{{cite web|url=http://www.navy.gov.au/hmas-perth-iii |title=HMAS Perth |work=Current Ships |publisher=Royal Australian Navy |access-date=17 September 2011}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Anzac class frigates}}

{{Portal bar|Australia|New Zealand|Royal Australian Navy}}
{{Anzac class frigate}}
{{Royal Australian Navy}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Anzac class frigate}}
[[Category:Frigate classes]]
[[Category:Anzac-class frigates| ]]