Austal Australia has delivered the 24th and final Guardian-class patrol vessel to the Republic of Maldives under the Pacific Patrol Boat Replacement Project led by Australia.
Launched in 2016, the initiative aims to provide modern maritime security platforms to partner nations across the Indian Ocean, Oceania, and the broader Pacific region.
The latest vessel was officially handed over in Malé at HMAS Stirling, Western Australia, in the presence of officials from the Australian Department of Defence, the Royal Australian Navy, and the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF).
With this delivery, Maldives becomes the 14th country to receive a Guardian-class vessel under the program.
The Guardian-class design integrates features from the Royal Australian Navy’s Armidale-, Bay-, and Cape-class patrol boats, ensuring reliable performance in both coastal and offshore operations.
Measuring 40 meters in length with an 8-meter beam, the vessel can carry up to 20 personnel. It is typically equipped with a 20mm remote weapon system and 12.7mm machine guns.
Powered by twin diesel engines producing 2,100 horsepower each, the vessel offers a range of 3,500 nautical miles and a top speed of 37 km/h.
