The Australian Ministry of Defence has taken delivery of the first Arafura-class offshore patrol vessel (OPV) from Luerssen Australia, an NVL Group subsidiary, under the SEA 1180 program. Canberra contracted the German shipbuilder in 2018, with construction of the lead ship, NUSHIP Arafura, commencing in November 2018 and its launch occurring in December 2021. Upon delivery, the vessel will proceed to its homeport at HMAS Stirling, Western Australia, where it will undergo further trials and evaluations prior to its formal induction into the Royal Australian Navy later this year.
