Defence ranks boost: South Australia launches first vessel from $4 billion naval build program

Olympian Nova Peris has launched Arafura, the first of the navy’s two new Offshore Patrol Vessels, which have been built at Osborne.

South Australia has launched the first of two new offshore patrol vessels (OPV) at the Osborne Naval Shipyard on Thursday.

The Arafura OPV was showcased for the first time, marking a milestone in the expansion of the nation’s naval capabilities.

It is one of two patrol vessels being built at the shipyard, creating hundreds of jobs with a construction program worth $4bn.

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Luerssen Australia started building the vessel in 2018, and it was launched by Olympian and former senator, Nova Peris.

At Thursday’s launch, Premier Steven Marshall said South Australia’s defence growth was on track.

“South Australia has well and truly cemented its position as the defence and space capital of the country and will continue to power forward and play its part in building and sustaining the nation’s sovereign capabilities,” he said.

Mr Marshall said the state’s naval projects, which will also include up to eight nuclear-powered submarines, would create hundreds of direct local jobs.

“Anybody who is looking for a job in naval construction will have a job now and well into the future,” he said.

At ASC Osborne, the official launch of OPV Arafura. (LtoR) Commodore SteveTiffen, currently director general of naval construction, Nova Peris and Vice Admiral Michael Noonan, chief of navy. Picture Dean Martin

Federal Defence Minister Peter Dutton, who was in Adelaide for the offshore patrol vessel launch, said the project was helping strengthen the country’s defence capabilities.

“Today, as we enter a period of unprecedented regional instability and uncertainty, we again forge ahead with a new capability and with a new confidence,” Mr Dutton said.

The Arafura OPV is scheduled to be delivered to the Royal Australian Navy next year.