Austal has officially handed over the 10th Evolved Cape-class Patrol Boat to the Royal Australian Navy, marking another milestone in the program.
The delivery ceremony was held at Austal’s Henderson shipyard in Western Australia. The original 2020 contract called for the construction of six patrol vessels. The agreement was later expanded in 2022 with the addition of two boats, followed by a further extension in 2024 that increased the total order by another two vessels.
With this latest handover, the Royal Australian Navy’s procurement under the contract has been completed. Meanwhile, two more Evolved Cape-class patrol boats remain under construction at the Henderson facility for the Australian Border Force under a separate agreement.
Evolved Cape-Class Capabilities
The Evolved Cape-class patrol boats are 58 meters (190 feet) long and built with an aluminum monohull structure. Each vessel can accommodate up to 32 personnel.
Designed for endurance missions of up to 28 days, the patrol boats have an operational range of 4,000 nautical miles (7,400 kilometers/4,600 miles), allowing sustained offshore deployments without the need for frequent resupply. They can achieve speeds of up to 25 knots (46 kilometers/29 miles per hour).
These vessels are configured for a wide array of maritime security operations, including border enforcement, surveillance missions, and interdiction tasks. Equipped with advanced sensors and onboard systems, they enable crews to detect, track, and intercept vessels across extensive maritime areas.
