The Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) released a Request for Tender (RFT) on October 21st, to replace its fleet of Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats (RHIB). The new boats will replace two types of RHIBs operated by the RNZN and provide an improved Naval Small Craft (NSC) capability over their predecessors.
A total of 26 NSCs will be acquired through a staged delivery process, made up of six distinct batches, concluding in 2026/2027. The first batch, of six vessels, is expected to be handed over in late 2023 for training purposes with batches of five delivered annually henceforth. At the time of publication, the tender is expected to close on January 16th, 2023. The New Zealand Ministry of Defence (NZMOD) has allocated $21 million NZD ($18 million AUD) for the program, however, they will entertain bids in excess of that amount.
The vessels will initially be delivered to a standard configuration, however, as part of the RFT, the RNZN is asking tenders to provide costed options for a variety of improvements and modifications. These include an autonomous piloting system, a full vessel simulator and the provision of four universal weapons mounts for unitary and multiple barreled 7.62mm weapon systems. A possible two-hull run of ‘green’ vessels, which would take the place of two standard hulls, is also being examined, however, not at the expense of commonality or capability.
Maintaining compatibility with all of the RNZN's current vessels is a key part of the requirement. The hope is that, by reducing the number of types in service, it will drive down maintenance, operations and training costs. This necessarily requires that the next-generation boat fits not only all of the RNZNs ships but also a C-130J or C-130H. This constrains the vessel's maximum length to 7.8 metres with a margin of 2.8 metres allocated to the beam, with a maximum weight allowance of no more than 3900 kg.
The RFT doesn’t rule out the possibility of acquiring existing, pre-built vessels, however, it mandates the use of a commercial off-the-shelf design (COTS) in case of a new build. Each individual hull is expected to have a service life of at least 20 years though it may be extended.
Babcock New Zealand, the Royal New Zealand Navy’s Prime Systems Integrator (PSI), will provide integration and maintenance services to the vessels in concert with the RNZN.