At least two Royal Australian Navy Arafura-class Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) will be homeported at HMAS Cairns. The first, HMAS Arafura, is scheduled to be homeported in Cairns in early 2027.
“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."
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.
“Since the release of the National Defence Strategy I have been advocating for the capacity of the Far North," Member for Leichhardt, Matt Smith, said.
“The home porting of at least two Arafura-class OPV’s is an acknowledgement of the capacity of Cairns and the importance of the Far North more broadly.
“Today is a proud day for Cairns as we continue to flex on the national stage."
The Arafura-class OPVs are designed to conduct maritime patrol, surveillance and response tasks and will work closely with Australian Border Force and regional partners.
This announcement builds on the Australian Government's $250 million investment in HMAS Cairns, including expanded berthing capacity and enhanced supporting wharf and landside facilities.
Built for resilience, the wharf has been elevated above surrounding infrastructure to withstand rising king tide levels and ensure it continues to meet Navy operational requirements for decades to come.