Australian Defence Force Receives New OPV

The Australian Defence Force has just taken delivery of a new offshore patrol vessel (OPV), the future HMAS Arafura, from Luerssen Australia.

As per an Defence Australia press statement, the lead ship in her class is the first of two vessels being built by Luerssen Australia at the Osborne Naval Shipyard in South Australia.

Another four Arafura-class OPVs are under construction at Henderson in Western Australia. The sixth ships will form part of a wider Royal Australian Navy (RAN) capability providing civil maritime security and regional engagement in the Southwest Pacific and maritime Southeast Asia.

The 80-metre vessel has a maximum speed of 22 knots and a 4,000 nautical mile range.

Having completed her sea trials, the new OPV will now sail to her home port at HMAS Stirling in Western Australia ahead of her official RAN commissioning later in the year.

Deputy Secretary Naval Shipbuilding and Sustainment Jim McDowell commented: “The delivery of the first of class vessel… highlights Defence’s commitment to working through complex projects to deliver critical capability to our Australian Defence Force, built here in Australia.”

• You can read more details on the Defence Australia website