The Australian Government is advancing its Surface Fleet Review with the commissioning of HMAS Arafura into the Royal Australian Navy.
As the first of the Arafura-class offshore patrol vessels (OPVs), HMAS Arafura officially enters service today during a commissioning ceremony in Western Australia.
Designed to enhance the Navy’s operational flexibility, the new OPVs have a range of approximately 4,000 nautical miles and are capable of performing missions that once required multiple ships.
They also feature upgraded living quarters and modern amenities, providing a more comfortable and sustainable living environment that supports the health of naval personnel during extended deployments at sea.
“The commissioning of HMAS Arafura marks an important milestone in the implementation of the Government’s Surface Fleet Review,” said deputy prime minister Richard Marles.
“HMAS Arafura means that the Navy can continue to ensure the safety and security of our maritime borders. The commissioning of HMAS Arafura is a turning point, and we will continue to see the Navy introduce new vessels into its fleet.” he said.
HMAS Arafura was built by German shipbuilder Luerssen Australia at the Osborne Shipyard in South Australia.
The second OPV, NUSHIP Eyre, has been built and is awaiting acceptance by the Navy. The remaining four ships are under construction at the Henderson Shipyard in Western Australia.
“The Australian Government has worked collaboratively with Defence and Luerssen Australia to successfully deliver HMAS Arafura, with another ship on the way and four more under construction at Henderson,” said minister for defence industry Pat Conroy.
“The construction of the remaining four ships is on track, and continues the Australian Government’s investment in a productive, continuous naval shipbuilding and sustainment industry.” Conroy said
Before it’s official commissioning today, the first Arafura-class offshore patrol vessel, Arafura, was launched by Osborne Naval Shipyard on December 16, 2021, in South Australia.
At the time, the Liberal-National Government planned to build twelve vessels to meet the Navy’s patrol requirements, with Arafura initially scheduled for commissioning in 2022.
The OPVs make up part of a wider Navy Minor War Vessel Fleet providing essential capabilities for the Australian Navy and replacing the Armidale Class and Cape Class Patrol Boats.
A New Generation Of Ships For The Royal Australian Navy
The Arafura-class offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) represent a new generation of ships for the Royal Australian Navy, purpose-built for maritime security, border protection, and regional engagement missions.
Constructed under Project SEA 1180, the Arafura-class is gradually replacing the aging Armidale-class patrol boats and other smaller warships.
The new, more advanced modern vessels are equipped with advanced surveillance, communication, and operational systems to enhance the Navy’s capability across a wide range of missions.
The government’s independent analysis into the Navy’s surface combatant fleet has reaffirmed the strategic importance and operational necessity of the Arafura-class OPVs.
