The Royal Australian Navy (RAN) has launched its third Arafura-class offshore patrol vessel (OPV), NUSHIP Pilbara (OPV 205), at the Henderson Maritime Precinct in Western Australia. The vessel, named after the resource-rich Pilbara region, is part of Australia’s SEA1180 Phase 1 program to deliver six OPVs by 2029. Constructed by Civmec Defence Industries (CDI), Pilbara represents the largest naval vessel ever built in Western Australia. The OPV program underpins Australia’s 2024 National Defence Strategy, enhancing maritime patrol, border protection, and humanitarian operations. Following its launch, CDI will oversee outfitting and sea trials before handover next year. The vessel follows HMAS Arafura and NUSHIP Eyre, both completed in South Australia. CDI is concurrently building three additional vessels—Gippsland, Illawarra, and Carpentaria. Designed for versatility and endurance, the 80-meter ship can deploy up to 40 personnel and multiple rigid-hull boats. It carries a 25-mm autocannon, machine guns, and supports unmanned aerial operations. Powered by twin diesel engines, it can travel 4,000 nautical miles at 22 knots and remain at sea for 21 days.
