Austal has completed the delivery of the 10th Evolved Cape-class Patrol Boat to the Royal Australian Navy, with the transfer taking place at its Henderson shipyard in Western Australia.
The shipbuilder was initially contracted in 2020 to construct six patrol boats. The program was expanded in 2022 with an order increase of two vessels, and further extended in 2024 to include two more, bringing the total to ten under the navy’s procurement plan.
This delivery marks the conclusion of the navy’s order. However, Austal continues production at Henderson, where two additional Evolved Cape-class patrol boats are being built for the Australian Border Force under a separate contract.
Vessel Specifications and Mission Profile
Each Evolved Cape-class patrol boat measures 58 meters in length and features a lightweight aluminum monohull design. The vessels can carry a crew complement of up to 32 personnel.
Engineered for patrol missions lasting as long as 28 days, the boats offer a range of 4,000 nautical miles, supporting extended operations far from shore. They are capable of reaching maximum speeds of 25 knots.
The patrol boats are intended for diverse maritime security roles such as border protection, surveillance, and law enforcement interdiction. Outfitted with modern sensor suites and operational systems, they provide crews with the capability to monitor, identify, and intercept contacts across broad operational zones.
