Austal Australia has been awarded a contract extension for the construction of two additional Evolved Cape-class Patrol Boats for the Royal Australian Navy.
The AUD 157 million contract extension follows the procurement announcement by the Commonwealth of Australia (CoA) on 23 November 2023 and brings the total number of Evolved Cape-class Patrol Boats being delivered to the Navy, under the SEA1445-1 Project, to ten.
Paddy Gregg, CEO of Austal Limited, emphasised the significance of the Evolved Cape-class Patrol Boats to both the Australian defence industry and the Royal Australian Navy.
He stated, “These additional Evolved Capes, designed and constructed by Austal in Henderson, Western Australia, are helping us to retain and build our sovereign, naval shipbuilding workforce and continue to engage supply chain partners from across Australia.”
Gregg continued, “The Evolved Capes are also enhancing the Navy’s operations throughout Northern Australia, adding greater capability for maritime surveillance and border patrols, as part of the ongoing Operation Sovereign Borders mission.”
The SEA1445-1 project, which initially involved constructing six 58-metre aluminium monohull patrol boats for the Royal Australian Navy in May 2020, was extended by two vessels in April 2022.
The first five Evolved Cape-class Patrol Boats were delivered within an eighteen-month period, from March 2022. Following the most recent delivery of Cape Pillar in October 2023, two Evolved Capes are currently under construction.
The Evolved Cape-class Patrol Boats feature larger amenities to accommodate up to 32 people, improved quality of life systems, and advanced sustainment intelligence systems, enhancing the Royal Australian Navy’s operational capabilities.
Austal said these patrol boats play a crucial role in Australia’s national security, serving in constabulary and naval missions.
In addition to providing in-service support for the Cape, Evolved Cape, and Guardian-class Patrol Boat fleets operated by the Australian Border Force, Royal Australian Navy, and Pacific Island nations, Austal Australia is also contracted to deliver 22 steel-hulled Guardian-class Patrol Boats to the Commonwealth of Australia under the Pacific Patrol Boat Replacement Project (SEA3036-1) and has delivered 18 vessels since 2018.
