Australia launched the first of 12 Arafura-class offshore patrol vessels (OPV) at the Osborne Naval Shipyard in South Australia on December 16.
The first Arafura class OPV is named NUSHIP. It is built for the Royal Australian Navy and would replace the Armidale and Cape class patrol vessels.
Arafura-class vessels have a length of 80 meters, Beam of 13m, and Draught of 4m. The ships can reach the maximum speed of 20 knots and have a range of up to 7,400 kilometres. The ships have a displacement of about 1,640 t, can carry a crew of 40 with accommodation for up to 60 personnel. The OPVs are equipped with 40mm gun / 2 x 50 calibre machine guns and will be used to conduct constabulary missions, and maritime patrol and response duties.
Australian Minister for Defence Peter Dutton termed the launch of NUSHIP as an important step towards protecting Australian borders and offshore interests. The Arafura-class OPVs would strengthen Australia’s maritime patrol and response capabilities and enhance interoperability with Australian naval ships and regional partners, Dutton said.
Dutton stated: “The Arafura-class OPVs represent the future of Australia’s border protection and will be the primary asset for maritime patrol and response duties. Our commitment to a secure, stable and prosperous region will be bolstered by the introduction of these vessels, with state-of-the-art sensors and command and communications systems.
Australian Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price said “The build of the Arafura class OPVs is a cornerstone of the Australian Government’s Naval Shipbuilding Plan, which will employ 15,000 workers across the country by 2030.”
“It is a demonstration of Australia’s continued strengthening of our defence capability and represents a $4.7 billion investment in our defence industry. Australian industry is building all 12 vessels here in Australia and will continue to sustain them over their lifecycle, delivering long-term local jobs,” Price added.
The construction of Australian OPVs began in March 2020. The first two OPVs are being constructed at Osborne Naval Shipyard by Luerssen Australia. The remaining vessels will be built at the Henderson Maritime Precinct in Western Australia.
