Austal has delivered the 10th Evolved Cape-class Patrol Boat to the Royal Australian Navy.
The handover took place at the company’s Henderson shipyard in Western Australia.
Under the original contract, awarded in 2020, Austal was tasked with the construction of six patrol boats.
In 2024, two additional patrol boats were added to the program following a previous extension in 2022, which also increased the order by two vessels.
The latest delivery concludes the navy’s procurement, while two additional Evolved Cape-class patrol boats are currently under construction at Henderson for the Australian Border Force under a separate contract.
The final handover “is a major milestone for Austal and for Australia’s sovereign naval shipbuilding capability,” stated Paddy Gregg, Austal Limited Chief Executive Officer.
“This achievement demonstrates the strength of Western Australia’s naval shipbuilding industry and the power of sustained collaboration across government, industry and the supply chain.”
Evolved Cape-Class
The Evolved Cape-class patrol boats measure 58 meters (190 feet) in length, feature an aluminum monohull design, and can accommodate up to 32 personnel.
Built to conduct patrols lasting up to 28 days, the vessels have a range of 4,000 nautical miles (7,400 kilometers/4,600 miles), enabling extended offshore operations without logistical support.
The boats can reach a top speed of 25 knots (46 kilometers/29 miles per hour).
They are designed to address a broad spectrum of maritime security tasks, including border protection, surveillance, and interdiction.
The patrol vessels are fitted with sensors and systems that enable crews to detect, monitor, and intercept vessels across a wide operating area.
