Today marks a major milestone of the Australian Government's implementation of the Surface Fleet Review within the commissioning of HMAS Arafura into the Royal Australian Navy fleet.
HMAS Arafura is the first Arafura class offshore patrol vessel (OPV) of the Navy's surface fleet.
HMAS Arafura will enter into the fleet at a commissioning ceremony in Western Australia today.
Navy's OPVs will help patrol and secure Australia's maritime border alongside the evolved Cape class patrol boats. They will also play a role in humanitarian and disaster relief, enhance regional engagement and support other Navy missions.
These new capabilities have a greater range of 4,000 nautical miles, and can perform roles hat previously required numerous vessels. These OPVs will also have improved living quarters and amenities to better support personnel.
The Government's Independent Analysis into Navy's Surface Combatant Fleet (Surface Fleet Review) reaffirmed the need for the Arafura class OPVs whilst recommending they operate alongside the evolved Cape class patrol boats.
HMAS Arafura was built by German shipbuilder Luerssen Australia at the Osborne Shipyard in South Australia.
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.
Quotes attributable to Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon Richard Marles MP:
"The commissioning of HMAS Arafura marks an important milestone in the implementation of the Government's Surface Fleet Review.
"HMAS Arafura means that the Navy can continue to ensure the safety and security of our maritime borders.
"The commissioning of HMAS Arafura is a turning point, and we will continue to see the Navy introduce new vessels into its fleet."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Pat Conroy MP:
"The delivery of these offshore patrol vessels is an excellent example of our partnership with defence industry in action.
"The Australian Government has worked collaboratively with Defence and Luerssen Australia to successfully deliver HMAS Arafura, with another ship on the way and four more under construction at Henderson.
"The construction of the remaining four ships is on track, and continues the Australian Government's investment in a productive, continuous naval shipbuilding and sustainment industry."
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Defence Personnel, the Hon Matt Keogh MP:
"HMAS Arafura delivers on our plan for Australian workers to build vessels for the fleet faster than Australia has for decades, to ensure the Navy has what it needs to secure our national interests at sea.
"Arafura also provides improved living quarters and amenities to support our highly skilled naval personnel as they patrol and protect our coastline."
"My best wishes go to the crew of the Arafura as they take on this new challenge, and may they have fair winds and following seas. My thanks also go to their families, whose support enables our personnel to do what they do each and every day for our nation."
Quotes attributable to the Chief of Navy, VADM Mark Hammond, AO, RAN
"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."
