Australia names OPV class as Arafura
VADM Mike Noonan, Chief of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN), announced on 15 November that the name of the navy’s new fleet of OPVs will be the Arafura class, the name emanating from the body of water that marks the northern approaches to Australia and south of New Guinea.
Minister for Defence Christopher Pyne commented: ‘Named for the Arafura Sea, the name recognises the prominence of the navy’s enduring operations in the northern approaches to Australia to protect our national interests, natural resources and maritime borders.’
The name Arafura has not been assigned to any vessel in the RAN until
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Naval Warfare
-
![UK and France signal shift to autonomous helicopters to boost naval power]()
UK and France signal shift to autonomous helicopters to boost naval power
Recent developments in France and the UK highlight how autonomous helicopters are becoming central to naval force design as navies seek to integrate crewed and uncrewed systems at sea.
-
![What HII’s UK expansion could mean for Royal Navy’s uncrewed future]()
What HII’s UK expansion could mean for Royal Navy’s uncrewed future
As HII prepares to deliver its latest AI-enabled uncrewed surface vessel later this year, its major UK facility expansion aligns with the UK Royal Navy’s plans for a hybrid fleet.
-
![Can the West keep up with China’s “XXL” uncrewed submarines?]()
Can the West keep up with China’s “XXL” uncrewed submarines?
The UK, the US and Australia have all been working on “extra-large” uncrewed underwater vehicles, but China’s reported development of a significantly larger capability demonstrates the country’s rapid advancement in underwater warfare.
-
![Is the US Navy’s Golden Fleet initiative achievable?]()
Is the US Navy’s Golden Fleet initiative achievable?
The effort to provide the US Navy with Trump-class battleships might face financial, production and doctrinal obstacles.
