As Australia’s SEA1180 Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) project moves from first-of-class delivery to serial production, L3Harris has a pivotal role in helping the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) deliver a modern, resilient and sovereign patrol capability.
The Arafura-class OPVs represent the next generation of Australia’s patrol fleet. They are designed to secure the nation’s maritime domain, enforce border protection and provide humanitarian assistance across some of the world’s most challenging waters. With the first ships now entering service and vessels three through six under construction at Civmec Defence Industries’ (CDI) Henderson shipyard in Western Australia, the program has entered a critical phase, turning proven design into enduring capability.
A Trusted Technology Partner
From the beginning, L3Harris has been at the core of the OPV’s mission systems. The company delivers integrated communications, bridge, navigation and platform management systems that connect crew, sensors and shipboard machinery. These systems ensure the OPVs operate safely, efficiently and securely.
“L3Harris has consistently invested in the success of the OPV project, and we’re proud to see these vessels entering service,” said Jamie Rebbeck, Managing Director, Integrated Mission Systems Australia, L3Harris. “Naval systems integration is a core strength of our team, and our embedded senior technical experts worked closely with the shipyard to overcome challenges and accelerate integration and acceptance. The RAN now has an outstanding patrol vessel, and Civmec Defence Industries’ proven, flexible design is well-suited to other navies across the Indo-Pacific.”
Designed for reliability and simplicity, these advanced systems enable seamless command and control, resilient data connectivity and safe ship operations in all conditions. For the RAN, this provides confidence that every OPV will perform its mission effectively, wherever and whenever it’s needed. The OPV includes an integrated electronic navigation system, as well as internal and external communications systems such as satellite communication and maritime tactical wide area network. It also features an integrated platform management system that automates, monitors and manages various platforms onboard, including the ship’s propulsion systems, electrical generation and distribution, auxiliaries and damage control systems.
Building at Scale, Sustaining for the Future
As shipbuilding for the Arafura-class transitions to CDI’s shipyard in Western Australia,, L3Harris’ focus is expanding beyond integration toward long-term sustainment and efficiency. Working alongside CDI and the Commonwealth, the company is driving standardized installation and testing processes that ensure consistency and quality across all ships in the class.
At the same time, L3Harris is investing locally by expanding its Australian engineering and sustainment workforce in Fremantle and Cairns, near where the ships are built and maintained. By embedding local expertise, the company is strengthening Australia’s industrial base and ensuring fast, on-the-ground support for the RAN fleet in service.
Designed with Sustainment in Mind
Sustainment is not an afterthought; it is engineered into every L3Harris solution. For the OPV project, this means delivering systems designed for longevity, ease of maintenance and lifecycle affordability.
L3Harris is establishing regional support functions near the Henderson building site to provide local spares management, software updates and field engineering support. This localized approach shortens maintenance cycles and keeps ships on task, enabling higher fleet availability and operational flexibility for the Navy.
Training also plays a key role. Through standardized operator and maintainer courses, L3Harris is equipping RAN personnel with the skills to operate and sustain advanced maritime systems with confidence, ensuring consistent performance and readiness across the fleet.
Securing the Digital Domain
In today’s operating environment, naval capability depends as much on cyber resilience as on steel and sensors. L3Harris embeds secure software lifecycle management and cyber-hardened architectures into its OPV systems to safeguard mission integrity.
Regular security updates, rigorous configuration controls and continuous testing ensure every ship remains mission-ready and protected against evolving digital threats. This proactive approach supports the RAN’s commitment to a secure, future-proof fleet aligned with Australia’s Defence Cyber Security Strategy.
Investing in Sovereign Capability
The SEA1180 program represents more than new ships; it is a catalyst for sovereign industrial growth. L3Harris is proud to contribute to this national goal by deepening partnerships with Australian suppliers, developing local engineering expertise and transferring knowledge that will endure beyond the project’s lifecycle.
Each collaboration strengthens Australia’s capacity to design, integrate and sustain complex defense systems domestically, reducing dependence on foreign supply chains and increasing resilience for the future fleet.
Looking Ahead
As the Arafura-class OPVs continue to enter service, L3Harris remains committed to supporting the RAN through every phase of the program, from integration and training to long-term sustainment and software assurance.
By combining global maritime expertise with local delivery, L3Harris is helping ensure Australia’s offshore patrol fleet is ready, reliable and sovereign – today and into the future.
