Australia Navy HMAS Arafura Commissioned

HMAS Arafura was commissioned into the Royal Australian Navy on 28 June 2025 as the lead ship of a planned six-vessel class of offshore patrol vessels. Built by Luerssen Australia with hull blocks from Civmec at the Osborne Naval Shipyard in South Australia, the 80-metre, 1,640-tonne ship replaces the Armidale and Cape-class patrol boats. She has a range of about 4,000 nautical miles, a top speed of 20 knots and accommodation for up to 60 personnel, and is intended as a flexible platform for constabulary patrol and regional engagement.