HMAS Arafura: First Arafura-Class Patrol Vessel Accepted for Testing
The Australian Department of Defence has accepted the future HMAS Arafura, the first of six Arafura-class offshore patrol vessels (OPVs), for testing ahead of its Royal Australian Navy (RAN) service.
Built by Luerssen Australia at Osborne Naval Shipyard in South Australia under Project SEA 1180, Arafura is the first of two OPVs constructed there. The remaining four are being built at Henderson, Western Australia.
Designed for maritime security and regional engagement in the Southwest Pacific and Southeast Asia, Arafura can also support hydrographic surveys. At 80 metres long and 1,640 tonnes, it accommodates 40 crew plus 60 additional personnel. Powered by two 4,250kW diesel engines, it achieves 20 knots and a 4,000-nautical-mile range.
Arafura’s modular design allows for future upgrades, including unmanned aerial systems and mine countermeasures. Its weapons suite includes a 25mm Northrop Grumman M242 Bushmaster naval gun on a Rafael Typhoon stabilised mount and two 12.7mm heavy machine guns, suited for border protection, anti-piracy, and counter-terrorism missions.
For surveillance and targeting, the OPV uses a Terma Scanter 6002 radar, Saab situational awareness system, and Safran Vigy Engage multi-sensor system. It also carries three rigid inflatable boats (RIBs) for at-sea boardings.
Replacing the Armidale-class patrol boats, Huon-class minehunters, and hydrographic survey vessels, Arafura will modernise the RAN’s minor war vessel fleet, enhancing Australia’s maritime security capabilities.
