Austal Australia has handed over the 24th and final Guardian-class vessel to the Republic of Maldives as part of the Pacific Patrol Boat Replacement Project with Canberra.
Australia launched the initiative in 2016 to distribute modern coastal security platforms for its partner nations near the Indian Ocean, in Oceania, and the wider Pacific.
The company delivered the latest vessel at HMAS Stirling, Western Australia, with attendance from representatives across the Australian Department of Defence, the Royal Australian Navy, and the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF).
With the milestone, Maldives becomes the 14th nation to adopt the Guardian boat under the effort.
“Australia’s delivery… is the product of close cooperation between our two nations and demonstrates the trust, respect and shared purpose that underpins our defence relationship,” said Rear Admiral. Brett Sonter, commander of the Australian Border Force’s Maritime Border Command.
“It is also a significant achievement for Australia’s shipbuilding industry and demonstrates the enduring value of Australia’s investment in regional maritime capability.”
Canberra said that the new ship would be used for protection across sea lanes, surveillance, and humanitarian tasks.
It will also deploy for law enforcement operations across the Maldives’ exclusive economic zone, reinforcing the country’s “security and economic prosperity.”
“Australia has been a reliable and consistent developmental partner, and Maldives will continue to work with Australia on areas of mutual concern,” MNDF Coast Guard Commandant Brig. Gen. Mohamed Saleem said.
“Maldives recognises the significance of our location and is firmly committed to working with Australia, as well as other regional and international partners, to ensure the safety…across the Indo-Pacific region.”
Austal’s Guardian Vessel
The Guardian system design combines features of the Royal Australian Navy’s older Armidale, Bay, and Cape-class patrol boats, ensuring sustained operability across littoral and offshore domains.
It spans 40 meters (131 feet) in length, has a beam of 8 meters (26 feet), and can accommodate up to 20 personnel.
Most Guardian boats are integrated with a 20-millimeter remote weapon system and 12.7-millimeter machine guns.
The vessel sails with two diesel engines with an individual output of 2,100 horsepower for a range of 3,500 nautical miles (6,482 kilometers/4,028 miles) and a top speed of 37 kilometers (23 miles) per hour.
