The Australian government has contracted Austal Limited to deliver two more Evolved Cape-class patrol vessels to bolster the country’s border security capabilities.
The 135 million Australian dollar ($89.7 million) program expands Australia’s total Evolved Cape fleet on order to 14 ships. The decision follows the recent handover of the ninth vessel, ADV Cape Spencer (P225), which was delivered in September.
Australia’s Evolved Cape patrol boat initiative began with a contract signed in 2020, aimed at improving maritime surveillance, border protection, and support for larger naval task groups.
The Evolved Cape-class patrol vessel is 58 meters (190 feet) long and designed to carry up to 32 crew members.
The platform is powered by two Caterpillar 3516C diesel engines producing a combined output of 6,770 horsepower, driving twin shafts and assisted by a bow thruster for enhanced handling.
For defensive capabilities, the vessels can be outfitted with remotely operated weapon systems in the 20–30 mm range or fitted with 12.7 mm crew-served machine guns.
With a maximum speed of 26 knots (48 km/h / 30 mph) and a range of up to 4,000 nautical miles (7,408 km / 4,603 miles), the Evolved Cape-class is optimized for extended patrol missions.
