Babcock joins forces with New Zealand SMEs to promote Arrowhead 140 frigate design.

According to information published by Babcock on November 6, 2023, more than 65 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from New Zealand convened to discuss the Royal New Zealand Navy's (RNZN) fleet upgrade needs at an industry event hosted by Babcock Australasia.
Follow Navy Recognition on Google News at this link

Arrowhead 140 frigate design at DSEI 2021. (Picture source: Navy Recognition)

The gathering was a response to the New Zealand Ministry of Defence’s initiative for fleet renewal, where Babcock presented its Arrowhead platform as a prime contender for the upgrade.

Babcock, with its significant footprint in New Zealand's marine defense sector and as the manager of the country's most comprehensive marine engineering and support facility, is advancing the Arrowhead platform as part of its bid.

Simon Spratt, Babcock Australasia's Managing Director Marine, highlighted the importance of the local supplier network to the RNZN. He pointed out the critical role these suppliers have in both current operations and potential future support of the naval fleet.

Spratt also detailed the Arrowhead's design as an adaptable and operationally efficient vessel, intended for a range of maritime tasks including combat, search and rescue, and humanitarian missions. The platform's versatility, suitable for varied water conditions, is aligned with the RNZN’s strategic objectives.

Globally, the Arrowhead 140 (AH140) design is also gaining traction. It is the foundation for the United Kingdom’s Royal Navy Type 31 Frigates under construction in Scotland, and has seen export success with contracts in Indonesia and Poland, where it has been chosen for the Miecznik frigate program.

Technical data

The Arrowhead 140 frigate design is characterized by a displacement in the range of 5,700 to 7,000 tonnes. These ships measure 138.7 meters in length and are propelled by a combination of diesel engines provided by Rolls Royce/MTU, along with generators supplied by either MTU or Caterpillar.

The propulsion arrangement is a CODAD system, with two shafts contributing to the vessel's agility. Designed to reach speeds in excess of 28 knots, the frigate's operational range extends up to 9,000 nautical miles.

The ship's accommodation is planned for a standard crew complement of between 80 and 100, with provisions for carrying more than 180 persons when necessary.

For command and control, the Arrowhead 140 employs the Thales Nederland TACTICOS combat management system. Surveillance and situational awareness are enhanced by the Thales NS110 4D AESA radar and supported by additional navigation radars from Terma and Raytheon.

Optical monitoring is managed by a pair of Mirador Mk2 systems. Secure and reliable communications are facilitated through a Viasat satellite communications setup. The frigate's anti-submarine capabilities are covered by the Sonar 2170 system. Lastly, it features the MEWSIC electronic warfare suite for self-defense against electronic threats.