In response to the results of the Surface Combatant Fleet Review, the government announced on 20th February 2024 that it will reduce Luerssen Australia’s contract from twelve Arafura Class Offshore Patrol Vessels to six.
Luerssen Australia stated that they acknowledge that changes in the geopolitical circumstances affecting Australia have resulted in the Government’s decision to change the composition and structure of the Royal Australian Navy’s surface combatant fleet.
"This decision now provides certainty to Luerssen Australia, our supplier partners and their respective workforces. The announcement also allows Luerssen Australia to properly plan for the future," the company stated.
"The company appreciates that the Federal Government and Defence have carefully considered the options given the strategic environment and Luerssen Australia will work constructively with Defence and our supplier partners to deliver the remaining OPVs."
The OPVs remain a critical capability for the Navy and the Luerssen Australia team says that they have years of work ahead to complete the vessels, and that the Sea 1180 Program continues to support the Government Continuous Naval Shipbuilding Strategy.
Luerssen Australia has already launched both NUSHIPs Arafura and Eyre, with NUSHIP Arafura currently getting ready for sea trials.