This week, Defence convened A Project of Concern Summit in Canberra in relation to the Arafura class Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) project.

The summit brought together senior representatives from government and industry to address project challenges and support improved delivery outcomes.

Since being listed as a Project of Concern in October 2023, Defence and Civmec Defence Industries Pty Ltd have implemented a remediation plan and achieved key milestones including the acceptance of OPV 1, HMAS Arafura and OPV 2, NUSHIP Eyre, and the launch of OPV 3, NUSHIP Pilbara.

While these milestones mark important progress, sustained momentum is required to ensure the delivery of this naval capability.

Defence and Civmec committed at the Summit to addressing the remaining challenges facing this project.

Since revitalising Defence’s Projects and Products of Concern process in 2022, the Albanese Government has strengthened the oversight and driven more rigorous remediation of Defence acquisition projects.

This is the thirteenth Project of Concern Summit since May 2022.