Australian MCM vessels to use Arafura hulls
Australia is seeking information from companies able to offer and integrate mine countermeasures and military survey capabilities for the country’s navy.
The Royal Australian Navy (RAN) will receive up to eight role-adaptable mine countermeasures/hydrographic survey vessels based on the Arafura-class OPV hull from Lurssen. All are to be constructed in Australia.
Defence Minister Linda Reynolds announced the down-selection of the Lurssen OPV for exploration as to its suitability on 25 January. These vessels will form the basis for the navy’s future Maritime Mine Countermeasures and Military Survey (MMCMMS) capability.
This announcement is not a surprise, for the Force Structure Plan 2020 mentioned: ‘Enhancements to mine countermeasures and hydrographic capabilities through the acquisition of up to eight additional vessels, built in
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