22 February 2025
Update 1
The New Zealand Defence Force, in conjunction with Australian authorities, are monitoring a People’s Liberation Army – Navy (PLA-N) Task Group in the Tasman Sea, in international waters about 350 nautical miles northeast of Australia’s Bass Strait.
The New Zealand Defence Force, in conjunction with Australian authorities, are monitoring a People’s Liberation Army – Navy (PLA-N) Task Group in the Tasman Sea, in international waters about 350 nautical miles northeast of Australia’s Bass Strait.
The Task Group consists of the Jiangkai-class frigate Hengyang, the Renhai-class cruiser Zunyi, and the Fuchi-class replenishment vessel Weishanhu.
In close coordination with the Australian Defence Force (ADF), we are monitoring the Task Group’s movements using air and naval assets, and have been doing so since the TG entered Australian waters more than a week ago.
On Saturday afternoon the Task Group transmitted a radio message of its intention to conduct live firing, the second such event in two days.
On Friday 21 February, a vessel from the Task Group broadcast a safety message indicating their intent to conduct a live firing activity in the vicinity of the Task Group. Due to the lack of advanced notification of the firing, by standard practice of providing a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM), this activity caused several commercial aircraft to divert course.
During today’s live firing event, personnel on the New Zealand Navy frigate HMNZS Te Kaha reported observing the Renhai class cruiser firing its main gun.
The NZDF has worked closely with other agencies as this response has developed, including the Civil Aviation Authority to help ensure aviation safety is maintained.
Current New Zealand response
New Zealand continues to coordinate closely with Australia. ADF and NZDF surface and air assets – HMNZS Te Kaha and P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft flights -- are maintaining a watch over the Task Group.
In addition, the tanker HMNZS Aotearoa is operating in the vicinity of Bass Strait to provide replenishment support to Australian and New Zealand naval vessels as required.
