According to a PR published by Austal on December 22, 2024, the firm has been awarded a new contract to construct two additional Evolved Cape-class Patrol Boats for the Australian Border Force. This A$137.02 million agreement brings the total number of these advanced vessels built by Austal to 12, with eight already delivered since 2020. The new patrol boats are expected to enhance the operational capabilities of Maritime Border Command.
Austal Australia awarded $137M contract to build two more Evolved Cape-class Patrol Boats for enhanced border defense.
The Evolved Cape-class Patrol Boats represent an evolution in maritime defense technology. Designed and constructed by Austal, these vessels feature expanded amenities to accommodate up to 32 personnel, enhanced onboard systems to improve quality of life, and cutting-edge sustainment intelligence technologies. These features ensure the boats are capable of handling a wide range of missions, from border surveillance to constabulary operations, while maintaining high reliability and performance at sea. The two new patrol boats will complement the Australian Border Force’s current fleet, which includes eight original Cape-class vessels delivered by Austal between 2012 and 2015.
Austal has demonstrated its shipbuilding expertise through the successful execution of the SEA1445-1 program, which initially included six vessels for the Royal Australian Navy. This project has expanded multiple times. To date, eight Evolved Cape-class Patrol Boats have been delivered, and two more are under construction at Austal’s Henderson shipyard in Western Australia.