The Royal Australian Navy has welcomed HMAS Eyre into active service during a commissioning ceremony in Western Australia.
The vessel is the second ship in the Arafura-class offshore patrol vessel program. It forms part of a long-term effort to modernize Australia’s maritime security capabilities.
The Arafura-class program was launched in 2018. The six vessels are replacing the aging Armidale-class patrol boats that entered service in the early 2000s. The fleet is scheduled to be fully delivered by 2029.
Construction work is underway at the Osborne Naval Shipyard in South Australia and the Henderson Shipyard in Western Australia. The distributed build program supports Australia’s naval shipbuilding industry. It also helps maintain skilled jobs across multiple regions.
Designed For Multiple Missions
HMAS Eyre and its sister ships are built to handle a wide range of operations. Their missions include maritime surveillance, border protection, humanitarian assistance, and regional security tasks. The vessels will operate alongside the Navy’s Evolved Cape-class patrol boats.
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One of the key features of the Arafura class is its modular design. The ships can carry containerized mission modules that can be swapped as needed. This approach allows future upgrades and mission changes without requiring major modifications to the vessel.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Royal Australian Navy Chief Vice Admiral Mark Hammond said HMAS Eyre will strengthen Australia’s maritime security and help protect the nation’s sea approaches.
He added that the vessels can perform multiple roles across different missions. Hammond also said he looks forward to seeing all six ships operated by Navy personnel.
Arafura-Class Vessel Capabilities
The Arafura-class offshore patrol vessel is 80 meters long and 13 meters wide. It is powered by two diesel engines, capable of reaching up to 22 knots. The ship can travel up to 4,000 nautical miles and remain at sea for up to 21 days.
The vessel is equipped with a range of surveillance and navigation systems. It is also equipped with electro-optical fire-control technology and machine guns for security operations. These systems help crews monitor and respond to activities across large maritime areas.
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HMAS Eyre can accommodate up to 40 personnel. The ship can deploy multiple rigid-hull inflatable boats for boarding and patrol missions. It can also operate a light unmanned aerial system to extend surveillance coverage beyond the horizon.
Australia’s investment in the Arafura-class fleet reflects the growing importance of maritime security across the Indo-Pacific region. As additional vessels enter service over the next several years, the Royal Australian Navy is expected to gain greater flexibility, endurance, and operational reach in protecting national and regional interests.
