Royal Australian Navy Commissions Second Arafura-Class Patrol Vessel HMAS Eyre
On May 30, 2026, the Royal Australian Navy commissioned HMAS Eyre, the second of six Arafura-class offshore patrol vessels, at HMAS Stirling in Western Australia. Built by Civmec Defence Industries, the 80-meter vessel will patrol Australia’s maritime borders, support humanitarian and disaster relief missions, and enhance regional security. The remaining four vessels are under construction in Western Australia, with the program replacing older platforms.
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Royal Australian Navy commissions second Arafura-class offshore patrol vessel
The Royal Australian Navy (RAN) commissioned HMAS Eyre, the second Arafura-class offshore patrol vessel (OPV), during a ceremony at HMAS Stirling in Western Australia on June 2, 2026. The 80-meter, 1,625-tonne vessel is designed to patrol Australia's maritime borders, support humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and enhance regional engagement. HMAS Eyre has a range of 4,000 nautical miles and features upgraded crew amenities. It was built by Civmec Defence Industries at the Osborne Naval Shipyard in South Australia, which is now completing its final OPV. Production of the remaining four Arafura-class vessels continues at Civmec's Henderson facility in Western Australia, where NUSHIP Pilbara was launched in October 2025 and is undergoing trials. The first vessel, HMAS Arafura, was commissioned in June 2025.
Naval TechnologyRoyal Australian Navy commissions second Arafura-class OPV
The Royal Australian Navy (RAN) commissioned HMAS Eyre, the second Arafura-class offshore patrol vessel (OPV), during a ceremony at HMAS Stirling in Western Australia on June 2, 2026. The 80-meter, 1,625-tonne vessel is designed for maritime border patrol, humanitarian assistance, and disaster relief, with a range of 4,000 nautical miles and improved crew accommodations. HMAS Eyre was built by Civmec Defence Industries at the Osborne Naval Shipyard in South Australia, marking the final OPV constructed at that site. Production of the remaining four Arafura-class vessels is underway at Civmec's newer Henderson facility in Western Australia, where NUSHIP Pilbara was launched in October 2025 and is undergoing trials. Other vessels—Gippsland, Illawarra, and Carpentaria—are at various construction stages. Navy Chief Vice Admiral Mark Hammond stated the commissioning strengthens Australia's maritime security and regional stability.
Naval TechnologyRoyal Australian Navy commissions second Arafura-class offshore patrol vessel HMAS Eyre
The Royal Australian Navy (RAN) commissioned HMAS Eyre, the second Arafura-class offshore patrol vessel (OPV), during a ceremony at HMAS Stirling in Western Australia on June 2, 2026. The 80-meter, 1,625-tonne vessel is designed for maritime border patrol, humanitarian assistance, and disaster relief, with a range of 4,000 nautical miles. Built by Civmec Defence Industries at the Osborne Naval Shipyard in South Australia, HMAS Eyre is the final OPV constructed at that site. Production of the remaining four vessels is underway at Civmec's Henderson facility in Western Australia, where NUSHIP Pilbara was launched in October 2025 and is undergoing trials. The Arafura-class programme aims to bolster Australia's maritime security and regional engagement, with six planned vessels replacing multiple older platforms.
Naval TechnologyRoyal Australian Navy Commissions Second Arafura-Class Offshore Patrol Vessel HMAS Eyre
On May 30, 2026, the Royal Australian Navy commissioned HMAS Eyre, the second of six planned Arafura-class offshore patrol vessels (OPVs), during a ceremony at HMAS Stirling in Western Australia. The 80-meter vessel, built by Civmec Defence Industries at the Osborne Naval Shipyard in South Australia, will patrol and secure Australia's maritime borders alongside Evolved Cape-class patrol boats. HMAS Eyre has a range of 4,000 nautical miles, improved living quarters, and can perform roles including maritime surveillance, interdiction, humanitarian and disaster relief, and regional engagement. It can also embark containerized mission systems. The first ship, HMAS Arafura, was commissioned in 2025. The remaining four OPVs are under construction at the Henderson Shipyard in Western Australia. Vice Admiral Mark Hammond, Chief of Navy, emphasized the vessel's role as a force multiplier for national maritime security and regional stability.
Naval NewsRoyal Australian Navy commissions newest offshore patrol vessel HMAS Eyre
On May 30, 2026, the Royal Australian Navy commissioned the second Arafura-class offshore patrol vessel, HMAS Eyre, during a ceremony at HMAS Stirling in Western Australia. The 80-meter vessel, built by Civmec Defence Industries at the Osborne Naval Shipyard in South Australia, is the second of six planned Arafura-class OPVs to enter service, following HMAS Arafura commissioned last year. HMAS Eyre has a range of 4,000 nautical miles and improved living quarters for crew. It will patrol Australia's maritime borders alongside Evolved Cape-class patrol boats, and support humanitarian and disaster relief missions. The remaining four OPVs are under construction at the Henderson Shipyard in Western Australia. Vice Admiral Mark Hammond, Chief of Navy, stated the vessel strengthens maritime security and serves as a force multiplier for surveillance, interdiction, and containerized mission systems.
Naval NewsRoyal Australian Navy commissions second Arafura-class offshore patrol vessel HMAS Eyre
On May 30, 2026, the Royal Australian Navy commissioned HMAS Eyre, the second of six planned Arafura-class offshore patrol vessels (OPVs), during a ceremony at HMAS Stirling in Western Australia. The 80-meter vessel, built by Civmec Defence Industries at the Osborne Naval Shipyard in South Australia, will patrol and secure Australia's maritime borders alongside Evolved Cape-class patrol boats. HMAS Eyre has a range of 4,000 nautical miles, improved living quarters, and can perform roles including maritime surveillance, interdiction, humanitarian and disaster relief, and regional engagement. The next four OPVs are under construction at the Henderson Shipyard in Western Australia. Vice Admiral Mark Hammond, Chief of Royal Australian Navy, stated the ship strengthens maritime security and serves as a force multiplier for various missions.
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