Luerssen Australia launches Arafura class OPV Nuship Eyre for Australia Navy.

According to information published by Luerssan Australia on November 22, 2023, the firm marked an achievement in the Arafura class Offshore Patrol Vessel Program with the official launch of NUSHIP Eyre at Osborne, South Australia.
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Arafura class Offshore patrol Vessel Arafura. (Picture source: RAN)

This vessel is the second of a series of 12 Arafura Class OPVs being built for the Royal Australian Navy. Significantly, NUSHIP Eyre is the last vessel of its class to be constructed in South Australia.

Technical data

The Arafura Class Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) feature a displacement of 1,640 tonnes. Each vessel measures 80 metres in length, with a beam of 13 metres and a draught of 4 metres. Powered by two 4,440kW diesel engines, these OPVs can reach a maximum speed of 22 knots and have a range of 4,000 nautical miles, with an endurance of 21 days.

The complement for each Arafura Class OPV is 40 crew members. They are equipped with advanced sensors and processing systems, including the SAAB Situational Awareness System (SAS) with a Saab EOS500 electro-optical fire control director, Terma SCANTER 6002 radar, and Safran Vigy Engage electro-optical surveillance and fire control multisensor system.

Armaments on these vessels include a 40mm Oto Marlin 40 autocannon (which was later cancelled), a Rafael Typhoon stabilised gun mount with a 25mm M242 Bushmaster autocannon, and two .50 calibre machine guns. The OPVs also carry two 8.5 metre sea boats and one 10 metre sea boat.

The Arafura Class OPVs can carry unmanned aerial vehicles and are expected to integrate light UAV capability under Project Sea 129. The vessels feature a utility deck to support these aviation facilities.