New Zealand navy begins patrols in support of North Korean sanctions

New Zealand's sole Aotearoa-class replenishment vessel has begun the Royal New Zealand Navy's (RNZN's) inaugural mission to support the monitoring and enforcement of United Nations (UN) sanctions against North Korea.

In a statement issued via its official social media channels on 20 August, the RNZN confirmed that the vessel, HMNZS Aotearoa , has departed Yokosuka, Japan, for the operation.

The ship was making a stop in Japan after taking part in the US Navy (USN)-hosted Exercise RIMPAC, which was held in and around waters off Hawaii, the service added.

No specific details were provided with regards to dates and the ship's expected deployment length and activities, but Janes has reached out to the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) for more details on this.

Aotearoa is a 26,000 tonne replenishment vessel that was commissioned by the RNZN in July 2020. It is equipped with two NATO-compliant replenishment at sea (RAS) masts and can carry 8,000 tonnes of diesel fuel, 1,550 tonnes of aviation fuel, and 250 tonnes of fresh water.

It is armed with two Rafael Mini-Typhoon remote-controlled weapon stations that have each been incorporated with 12.7 mm guns.

The vessel's involvement in RIMPAC and patrols in Northeast Asia are part of its five-month deployment that began in June 2024. Throughout this deployment, Aotearoa is embarked with a Seasprite maritime helicopter.

Prior to embarking on its journey to Japan, the vessel was unexpectedly called upon to refuel the USN Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Boxer