The Morrison Government is investing around $350 million for the build program of six new Cape Class Patrol Boats for the Royal Australian Navy.
The vessels will be built by Western Australian company Austal, securing Australian shipbuilding jobs and maintaining strong border protection.
The Australian Border Force currently operates eight Cape Class Patrol Boats, while the Navy operates two leased Cape Class.
The six new Cape Class Patrol Boats will grow the patrol boat force to 16 vessels, while the new larger Arafura-Class Offshore Patrol Vessels are introduced into service.
Minister for Defence, Senator the Hon Linda Reynolds CSC said the new vessels will play an important role in keeping Australia’s borders safe, while Navy’s new capability is brought online.