Latest news with #HMNZSTeKaha
Scoop
29-05-2025
- Scoop
New Zealand-led Task Force, With Royal Navy, Seizes NZ$1b Worth Of Drugs In Arabian Sea
The New Zealand-led Combined Maritime Task Force 150 (CTF 150) has made its highest value drug bust of the year, seizing 1000kg of heroin, 660kg hashish and 6kg of amphetamine (with a street value of NZ$1 billion) in the Middle East. Royal Navy frigate HMS Lancaster was patrolling in the North Arabian Sea late last week, when crew identified and tracked a small cargo dhow acting in a suspicious manner. After observing the dhow using a Peregrine uncrewed aerial system, Royal Marine boarding teams boarded the vessel while a Wildcat helicopter with a Royal Marine sniper team covered them. Once the six crew were secured, the boarding team found 50 packages containing 1000kg of heroin, 55 packages containing 660kg of hashish and 6kg of amphetamine tablets. The drugs were taken back to the ship for testing and disposal. Lancaster Commanding Officer, Commander Chris Chew, says the ship's latest success was the result of his crew's motivation, commitment and dedication. 'This is another example of where Lancaster has delivered at range, in isolation, utilising her own organic assets,' he said. Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) Commodore Rodger Ward is Commander of CTF 150. 'This is the largest value narcotics interdiction we've made under our New Zealand command this year,' he said. 'Conducting maritime interdictions requires a team effort from the men and women here in the headquarters in Bahrain reaching through to those out on the oceans disrupting drug smuggling operations at the coal face. 'I'd like to acknowledge the 210-strong ship's company from Lancaster for continuing to get amongst it day-after-day. 'Everyone in the team can be proud of their efforts to disrupt the criminal and terrorist organisations that continue to use illicit narcotics to fund their activities and this is a significant blow to their revenue stream.' The seizure was testament to the tenacity, training and professionalism from CTF 150's Royal Navy partners, he said. CTF 150 is one of five operational task forces under the Combined Maritime Forces based in Bahrain and is focussed on maritime security in the Middle East, in particular the disruption of drug smuggling operations. Collectively CTF 150 and partners have now seized narcotics with a New Zealand street value of $NZ1.8b, Commodore Ward said. 'Furthermore we estimate that our presence and the intelligence collected from our operations has resulted in the disruption of nearly three times that amount.' RNZN frigate HMNZS Te Kaha was also deployed to CTF 150 over the last two months, conducting similar operations as Lancaster as part of New Zealand's commitment to collective security efforts in the Middle East.
NZ Herald
04-05-2025
- Business
- NZ Herald
Watch: Government set to make defence announcement ahead of Budget 2025
That long-awaited plan, released on April 7, revealed $9b of the funding was new. Luxon described it as a 'landmark day' and a significant financial investment that was 'not just about the Defence Force, it's fundamentally about our national security and our economic prosperity'. Collins said the plan would deliver 'enhanced lethality' and a 'deterrent effect'. She said it was not 'about choosing sides or beating the drums of war' but supporting an international rules-based order, working alongside our partners and making smart decisions for the future. 'It gets our NZDF [Defence Force] out of the intensive care unit and not just growing, but growing where we need it to go,' she said. 'Our personnel deserve a serious plan that will serve them as they serve us, this is what we have delivered.' There are several major investments expected by 2028. This includes replacing the Boeing 757 fleet (expected at $600 million to $1b), enhanced strike capabilities ($100m to $300m), and a new fleet of maritime helicopters to operate from Navy ships ($300m to $600m). In the near term, the Government has decided not to immediately replace the country's ageing Anzac frigates, HMNZS Te Kaha and Te Mana, but instead provide additional maintenance to extend their lives into the early 2030s. This will cost between $300m and $600m. 'Extending the life of the frigates will retain Defence's combat capable ships and the skilled workforce required to operate combat vessels until the ships are replaced,' the plan said. Another vessel that would not be replaced at least in the short term is the recently sunk HMNZS Manawanui – instead dive and hydrographic tasks would be undertaken from other platforms rather than a single dedicated one.
NZ Herald
22-04-2025
- Business
- NZ Herald
NZ, UK strengthen military partnership to support Ukraine, including drones
'It will also recognise the vital partnership between the UK and New Zealand in upholding stability and security across Europe, the Middle East and the Indo-Pacific,' a government release said. Mt Maunganui robotics business SYOS manufactures drones at its factory in Hampshire, southeast of London, and they have been deployed to combat zones. Starmer said the new drone contract had been secured to support Ukraine. 'From the beaches of Gallipoli to the vital work we have been doing together on Operation Interflex and our support for Ukraine, the UK and New Zealand have stood shoulder-to-shoulder for generations in pursuit of peace and stability,' he said. Royal New Zealand Navy frigate HMNZS Te Kaha will also join a UK carrier strike group leaving Portsmouth for the Indian Ocean. 'As the world becomes an increasingly dangerous place, I am proud how much we are doing together to support our national and economic security - stepping up our defence spending, deploying our navies together in the Indo-Pacific and continuing our work to put Ukraine in the strongest possible position to deter an increasingly aggressive Russia,' Starmer said.
Western Telegraph
22-04-2025
- Politics
- Western Telegraph
Starmer praises ‘resilience' of Ukrainians as he makes training visit
The Prime Minister also praised the 'resilience' of Ukrainians as he visited a military base alongside his New Zealand counterpart, Christopher Luxon, to see the work under Operation Interflex. More than 54,000 Ukrainians have already received training under the programme. 54,000 Number of Ukrainians who have received training under the programme Sir Keir said: 'This is the second time I've come to see this training for the front line in Ukraine, and, just as with the first time, I find it incredibly humbling to see the training that is being done here.' Addressing the other nations taking part in the training, including Australia and New Zealand, he added: 'It's really humbling, it's incredibly professional. It could not be more important three years into this conflict, and it's so important in terms of the training that's being done.' The Prime Minister also thanked the Ukrainians taking part in the programme and said it is 'incredible to see the resilience and inspiration that you have'. He added: 'I think it's incredible that all of the predictions at the beginning of this conflict were that the aggressor Russia would succeed very quickly, and they didn't. 'Because of the resilience of the Ukrainians, because you fought back and forth for your country and fought for all of us in fighting for your country.' As part of Tuesday's visit, Sir Keir and Mr Luxon are expected to instruct their respective defence ministers to begin work on a new defence partnership between the two nations, replacing the one signed in 2015. The UK and New Zealand already have long-standing defence links, with both nations belonging to the Five Eyes intelligence-sharing network and the Royal New Zealand Navy providing a frigate, HMNZS Te Kaha, for the UK carrier strike group due to set sail for the Indian Ocean from Portsmouth on Tuesday. Mr Luxon said it was a 'tremendous privilege' to be able to see the training work on his visit to the UK, and described Ukrainians as 'heroes'. I want you to know that you are deeply inspirational to us, that we have huge admiration for your bravery, for your courage and for the sacrifice that you make. New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon Addressing the Ukrainian troops after the Prime Minister, Mr Luxon said: 'I want you to know that you are deeply inspirational to us, that we have huge admiration for your bravery, for your courage and for the sacrifice that you make. 'It is incredibly sobering to think that many of you have been to this place to train, you've been out to the battlefront, you've come back now as leaders to actually do more training, and, in a matter of days, could be back at the front line again, actually fighting for freedom and the defence of your country, in what is an incredibly unjust, illegal and immoral war started by Russia. 'And so I want you to know that you are heroes. President (Volodymyr) Zelensky is a hero, and all Ukrainian citizens are heroes as well in our eyes.' US President Donald Trump has suggested his drive to find a deal to end the war could produce results within days. On Sunday, he said 'hopefully' Russia and Ukraine 'will make a deal this week' and then start to do 'big business' with the US. Asked if Sir Keir shares Mr Trump's optimism, the Prime Minister's official spokesman said: 'Well, obviously that ball's in Russia's court. We've repeatedly said that. 'We clearly support President Trump's attempts to bring peace, Ukraine's calls for Russia to commit to a full ceasefire. 'The Prime Minister spoke to President Zelensky yesterday and reiterated his ironclad support for Ukraine.' He added it is time for Russian President Vladimir Putin 'to show he's serious about peace'.
Yahoo
22-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Starmer praises ‘resilience' of Ukrainians as he makes training visit
Sir Keir Starmer has said it is 'incredibly humbling' to see the work being done by allied nations to train Ukrainian troops. The Prime Minister also praised the 'resilience' of Ukrainians as he visited a military base alongside his New Zealand counterpart, Christopher Luxon, to see the work under Operation Interflex. More than 54,000 Ukrainians have already received training under the programme. Sir Keir said: 'This is the second time I've come to see this training for the front line in Ukraine, and, just as with the first time, I find it incredibly humbling to see the training that is being done here.' Addressing the other nations taking part in the training, including Australia and New Zealand, he added: 'It's really humbling, it's incredibly professional. It could not be more important three years into this conflict, and it's so important in terms of the training that's being done.' The Prime Minister also thanked the Ukrainians taking part in the programme and said it is 'incredible to see the resilience and inspiration that you have'. He added: 'I think it's incredible that all of the predictions at the beginning of this conflict were that the aggressor Russia would succeed very quickly, and they didn't. 'Because of the resilience of the Ukrainians, because you fought back and forth for your country and fought for all of us in fighting for your country.' As part of Tuesday's visit, Sir Keir and Mr Luxon are expected to instruct their respective defence ministers to begin work on a new defence partnership between the two nations, replacing the one signed in 2015. The UK and New Zealand already have long-standing defence links, with both nations belonging to the Five Eyes intelligence-sharing network and the Royal New Zealand Navy providing a frigate, HMNZS Te Kaha, for the UK carrier strike group due to set sail for the Indian Ocean from Portsmouth on Tuesday. Mr Luxon said it was a 'tremendous privilege' to be able to see the training work on his visit to the UK, and described Ukrainians as 'heroes'. Addressing the Ukrainian troops after the Prime Minister, Mr Luxon said: 'I want you to know that you are deeply inspirational to us, that we have huge admiration for your bravery, for your courage and for the sacrifice that you make. 'It is incredibly sobering to think that many of you have been to this place to train, you've been out to the battlefront, you've come back now as leaders to actually do more training, and, in a matter of days, could be back at the front line again, actually fighting for freedom and the defence of your country, in what is an incredibly unjust, illegal and immoral war started by Russia. 'And so I want you to know that you are heroes. President Zelensky is a hero, and all Ukrainian citizens are heroes as well in our eyes.'
