Australia’s first OPV prepares to go to sea
An artist’s rendering of Australia’s Arafaura-class OPV sailing at sea. (Luerssen Australia)
The Royal Australian Navy's (RAN) initial Arafura-class OPV is being readied to go to sea for the first time. In a significant feat of planning, five OPVs are simultaneously under construction in two disparate shipyards.
Luerssen Australia is prime contractor for Project Sea 1180 Phase 1, and its CEO Jens Nielsen told Shephard the company was preparing the ship to go to sea.
'It's going through a series of tests at the moment, and we are preparing for this, and then we want to deliver the ship – hand it over to our customer – towards the end of
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Naval Warfare
-
US Navy to invest nearly $12 billion in maritime uncrewed systems and naval munitions in FY2026
Forming part of the Reconciliation Bill, the funding will support multiple efforts involving autonomous capabilities, interceptors, missiles, rockets and torpedoes.
-
RTX Raytheon advances with the development of new Barracuda mine neutraliser
The new Barracuda version has been engineered to perform enhanced subsea and seabed warfare missions.
-
US Coast Guard enhances Arctic protection with a new Fast Response Cutter
After commissioning, FRC Frederick Mann will operate in Alaska and perform multiple missions.
-
US Coast Guard announces measures to further implement Force Design 2028 strategy
The US Coast Guard (USCG) created new units, including five Programme Executive Offices (PEOs), to facilitate and speed up the procurement of new capabilities.