Austal launches first-of-class patrol boat for Australia
Austal Australia launched the first Evolved Cape-class patrol boat for the RAN on 22 September. (Austal)
Amidst delays in Australia’s Arafura-class OPVs, the interim capability of the Evolved Cape class becomes even more paramount.
Austal Australia launched the first of six Evolved Cape-class patrol boats at the shipbuilder’s Henderson shipyard in Western Australia on 22 September.
The first-of-class vessel bearing the hull number ‘314’ is expected to be commissioned into the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) early in 2022. However, this is later than the September 2021 schedule initially mentioned by the navy.
Austal has commenced construction of the five other boats already, and they are in varying states of construction. All are supposed to be delivered by mid-2023.
RAdm Wendy Malcolm, Head Maritime Systems at the Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group, said, ‘The
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![US Navy’s $275 billion BBGN plan hinges on shipyard transformation]()
US Navy’s $275 billion BBGN plan hinges on shipyard transformation
The US Navy’s planned nuclear-powered warship carries a US$275 billion price tag, but the greater story lies in the industrial overhaul needed to build it, from AI-enabled design to digital twins and modular construction.
-
![RTX confirms US Marine Corps and US Navy acquire Hadalus UUV]()
RTX confirms US Marine Corps and US Navy acquire Hadalus UUV
RTX told Shephard that the Hadalus UUV has been procured by the US Marine Corps and the Office of Naval Research for operational experimentation as the company prepares additional demonstrations with the US Navy, NATO and AUKUS partners.
-
![The UK joins the movement towards joint procurement]()
The UK joins the movement towards joint procurement
The UK will spend an estimated US$3.89 billion over the next decade in joint naval programmes, a lot of which will be in cooperation with Norway.
