NZ Defence Force To Test Launch Penguin Anti-Ship Cruise Missile

The New Zealand Defence Force will test launch its new Penguin anti-ship cruise missile during the biennial Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) scheduled June 30 to Aug. 4, in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California.

Royal New Zealand Navy frigate Te Kaha will test launch Penguin missile from the Defence Force's new Seasprite helicopter, Newshub reported.

"This will be a first for the RNZN and will demonstrate that we are a capable military partner," Te Kaha commanding officer Commander Steve Lenik was quoted as saying.

Penguin is an anti-ship cruise missile developed by Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, primarily for the Norwegian Navy. It is developed in two versions, including ship-launched and air-launched Penguins. The ship-launched version of Penguin missile provides effective interception against most surface combatants.

Te Kaha and almost 400 defence personnel will join 26 other nations and around 25,000 other defence staff for an international maritime exercise.

Cdr Lenik noted RIMPAC is a good chance for the Defence Force to train across a wide range of activities which it could be asked to do in future coalition operations.