Australia and New Zealand sign Plan Tasman naval agreement

The Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) and the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) have signed a new framework agreement known as ‘Plan Tasman’ to enhance maritime cooperation and interoperability. The agreement aims to create a more integrated Anzac naval force by coordinating actions across several key areas, including personnel, training, capability development, warfighting, engineering, regulation, and international engagement.

Signed by Commodore Karl Woodhead, Deputy Chief of the RNZN, and Rear Admiral Darren Grogan, Deputy Chief of the RAN, the plan follows a strategic engagement dialogue established in November 2024. Officials noted that the agreement represents a shift from traditional cooperation toward ‘integration by design’ to address an increasingly contested and complex security environment in the Indo-Pacific region.