The Royal Australian Navy commissioned the first of its new class of offshore patrol vessels, HMAS Arafura, at Fremantle Passenger Terminal on Saturday 28 June 2025. Construction of the ship began on 15 November 2018 and Arafura was launched on 16 December 2021 with the ship’s sponsor being Olympian Nova Peris. Arafura commissions after additional work on the fire protection system and an extensive sea trials which began in August 2024.
The Arafura class are 80 metres long and displaces 1,640 tonnes. They are propelled by two diesel engines with a maximum speed of 20 knots. Their operating range is 4,000 nautical miles. The Arafura’s complement is 40 with additional accommodation for 60 personnel.
In terms of weapons and sensors, Arafura is fitted with a Saab Situational Awareness System (SAS), a Terma Scanter 6002 radar, an electro-optical fire control system, a Typhoon 25 bushmaster cannon and two .50 cal machines guns. For boarding operations Arafura has one 10.5 metre and two 8.5 metre seaboats. In addition, the ship has a small flight deck suitable for uncrewed air vehicle (UAV) operations.
Arafura was built by German shipbuilder Luerssen Australia at the Osborne Shipyard in South Australia. On 26 June it was reported that the Australian engineering company, CIVMEC, is to acquire Luerssen Australia from Naval Vessels Luerssen (NVL) for A$20 million.
The second OPV, NUSHIP Eyre, has been built and is awaiting acceptance by Navy. The remainder of the four ships are under construction at the Henderson Shipyard in Western Australia. The Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Mark Hammond has said,
“A strong Australia relies on a strong Navy, one that is equipped to conduct diplomacy in our region, deter potential adversaries, and defend our national interests when called. The Arafura class offshore patrol vessels will perform a number of roles, including regional engagement, patrol duties, and employment of uncrewed systems in a variety of missions.”
