A No. 6 Squadron SH-2G(I) Super Seasprite helicopter fired the Penguin missile as part of workups for HMNZS Te Kaha (F77)’s deployment to the Arabian Gulf to participate in Combined Task Force 150 (CTF150). The Seasprite-Penguin combination represents the entire surface strike capability of the RNZN’s two Anzac class frigates as, unlike the Royal Australian Navy, the RNZN has opted not to outfit its frigates with organic anti-ship missiles.
The helicopter, one of only five operational airframes in the RNZAF fleet, will perform Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) and Force Protection functions while deployed with Te Kaha in the Gulf.
The RNZAF’s fleet of Super Seasprites is scheduled to be replaced by new maritime combat helicopters following their planned withdrawal from service in 2028. Competitors include the NH-90 NATO Frigate Helicopter, the AW159 Wildcat, the MH-60 Romeo and a modified version of Bell’s 412EP utility helicopter.
New Zealand ordered an undisclosed number of AGM-119 Mk 2 Mod 7 missiles from Kongsberg in 2013 to replace decades-old AGM-65 Maverick missiles in the anti-ship role. While deliveries presumably occurred in the years following the announcement, the recent firing is the first time that the RNZAF has fired one of its AGM-119 Penguin missiles.
Indeed, the delay between acquiring the Penguin missiles and firing them necessitated completing a re-motoring program. The re-motoring program was originally scheduled to conclude with a live firing in the first quarter of 2024, however, that obviously did not occur.
The inaugural firing of a Penguin follows a similar event at the end of 2023 when HMNZS Te Mana (F111) fired two Sea Ceptor missiles in the East Australian Exercise Area. That was the first time since 2012 that the RNZN had fired any air-defence missile. The last time an air-to-surface missile was fired appears to have been in 2008 when a now-retired SH-2G(NZ) fired two AGM-65 Mavericks.
Both Sea Ceptor and Penguin will play critical roles in protecting HMNZS Te Kaha during its six-month deployment to the Arabian Gulf and CTF150.
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