DEFENCE CONNECT: 29th September 2026

Nuship Arafura arrives at Fremantle passenger terminal, Western Australia: photo LSIS Rikki-Lea Phillips

At least two Royal Australian Navy Arafura Class offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) will be homeported at HMAS Cairns, strengthening defence industry and regional security in Northern Australia.

The Arafura Class OPVs are designed to conduct maritime patrol, surveillance and response tasks and will work closely with the Australian Border Force and regional partners. The first, HMAS Arafura, is scheduled to be homeported in Cairns in early 2027.

Homeporting Arafura Class OPVs in Cairns will enhance Navy’s ability to operate and sustain capability in the north and support engagements across the region. “Northern Australia is central to our Defence strategy and Cairns is an increasingly important hub for Navy operations, sustainment and maritime security,” Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy said. “Cairns has developed one of Australia’s most capable maritime sustainment and maintenance sectors, making it a natural location to support the future offshore patrol vessel fleet.