The launch of NUSHIP Eyre is a significant milestone for shipbuilding at Osborne, which is home to the Hunter class frigates and, eventually, the SSN-AUKUS nuclear-powered submarines.

The Arafura class offshore patrol vessel (OPV) is the second of to be built at the Osborne Naval Shipyard by Leurssen Australia, in collaboration with local defence industry partners.

Named after the Eyre Peninsula in South Australia, the OPV will be the first Royal Australian Navy ship to carry the name Eyre and follows the launch of the NUSHIP Arafura in December 2021.

The two locally built vessels were important programs for maintaining the highly skilled workforce at Osborne, helping to bridge the gap before the Hunter class frigate program began in earnest.

The Arafura class OPVs are intended to replace the Armidale class patrol boats and have been designed to perform maritime patrol and response duties for the Australian Defence Force.

Royal Australian Navy Head of Navy Capability Rear Admiral Stephen Hughes congratulated the Osborne defence industry workforce on the launch of Australia’s second OPV.

“We look forward to accepting Eyre into service and thank the many skilled shipbuilders who contribute to ensuring the RAN continues to operate capable warships of the highest quality," Rear Admiral Hughes said.