Australian navy commissions two additional Austal-built patrol boats
After Austal Australia delivered the eighth Evolved Cape-class patrol boat ADV Cape Schanck last November, it has now officially joined the RAN. (Photo: Austal)
Despite bolstering its patrol fleet with new Evolved Cape-class vessels, the Royal Australian Navy’s offshore patrol vessel programme remains mired in delays, indecision and criticism over underwhelming capabilities.
The Royal Australian Navy (RAN) has added two more Evolved Cape-class patrol boats to its fleet as Australia looks to shore up the defences of its border and offshore interests.
A commissioning ceremony for the two boats took place at a naval base in Darwin, Northern Territory, on 9 May, for the two 57.8m-long vessels named HMAS Cape Schanck and Cape Solander. Both boats had previously briefly operated as Australian Defence Vessels (ADV) meaning they had not been fully commissioned. Both were delivered by Austal last year and had been performing law enforcement operations.
These are the seventh and eighth
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Australia is ramping up its uncrewed surface fleet as Sea Archer lines up for key requirement]()
Australia is ramping up its uncrewed surface fleet as Sea Archer lines up for key requirement
As advances in uncrewed technology increasingly shape Australia’s maritime future, Shephard spoke with the country’s head of navy capability and a Leidos Australia executive about the operational advantages behind the shift.
-
![US Navy to acquire and test uncrewed surface vessel prototypes by the end of FY2026]()
US Navy to acquire and test uncrewed surface vessel prototypes by the end of FY2026
The new autonomous surface vessels are planned to be operationally fielded in FY2027, following the completion of on-water trials.
-
![Hanwha Ocean and TKMS are firming up their Canadian next-gen submarine proposals]()
Hanwha Ocean and TKMS are firming up their Canadian next-gen submarine proposals
CPSP competitors are proposing platforms fitted with advanced, next-generation capabilities to be built and sustained in cooperation with the Canadian industry.
