Australia: First Arafura-class OPV delivered (PHOTOS)

January 30, 2025, by Fatima Bahtić

The Australian Department of Defense has taken delivery of the first Arafura-class offshore patrol vessel, NUSHIP Arafura, for further testing and evaluation ahead of delivery to the Royal Australian Navy.

NUSHIP Arafura, the first vessel in the Arafura class, has been delivered under Project SEA 1180. Luerssen Australia built the OPV at the Osborne Naval Shipyard in South Australia. It was launched in December 2021.

Australia’s first Arafura-class offshore patrol vessel hits the water

Vessels

This project will ultimately deliver six Arafura class offshore patrol vessels to the Royal Australian Navy, with the first two vessels being constructed at Osborne. The remaining four are being built at Henderson in Western Australia.

The units will measure 80 meters in length and displace around 1,700 tonnes. Their design also includes two changeable, containerized mission systems, supporting secondary roles such as mine hunting, unmanned aerial system missions, and hydrographic surveying.

The Arafura class vessels are expected to play a key role in the navy’s Minor War Vessel Fleet, supporting civil maritime security and enhancing regional engagement across the Southwest Pacific and Southeast Asia.

Deputy Secretary for Naval Shipbuilding and Sustainment, Jim McDowell, emphasized that the delivery of the first Arafura class vessel marks a significant milestone in the Australian Government’s investment in naval shipbuilding.

“The delivery of this first vessel demonstrates Defence’s commitment to overcoming challenges in complex projects to provide critical capabilities to our Australian Defence Force, all built here in Australia,” McDowell said.

NUSHIP Arafura will now depart for its homeport at HMAS Stirling in Western Australia before being officially commissioned into the Royal Australian Navy fleet later this year.