Australia has awarded Austal Limited a contract to construct two additional Evolved Cape-class patrol vessels for the nation’s border protection fleet.
Valued at 135 million Australian dollars ($89.7 million), the contract brings Canberra’s total orders under the Evolved Cape program to 14 vessels. The latest investment follows Austal’s delivery of the ninth ship in the series, ADV Cape Spencer (P225), in September.
The original agreement for the patrol boat program was signed in 2020, with the objective of strengthening Australia’s national security through enhanced offshore surveillance and support for broader naval operations.
Each Evolved Cape-class vessel is 58 meters (190 feet) in length and can accommodate a crew of up to 32 personnel.
Propulsion is provided by twin Caterpillar 3516C diesel engines delivering a combined 6,770 horsepower, driving twin shafts and supported by a bow thruster for improved maneuverability.
In terms of armament, the vessels can be equipped with a 20–30 mm remote weapon system or 12.7 mm crew-served machine guns.
The patrol boats are capable of speeds up to 26 knots (48 km/h / 30 mph) and have an operational range of up to 4,000 nautical miles (7,408 km / 4,603 miles).
