RAN receives Cape class patrol boat
Austal has delivered the first of two Cape class patrol boats to the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) from its shipyard in Henderson, Western Australia, the company announced on 24 April.
Cape Fourcroy is one of two 58m Cape class vessels ordered by the National Australia Bank under a $47 million contract signed in December 2015. The vessels will be leased to the RAN, which will deploy them for the protection and surveillance of Australia's EEZ and maritime borders.
David Singleton, CEO, Austal, said: 'This latest Cape class for the RAN further strengthens Austal's position as the only patrol boat designer and builder in Australia and a major world class exporter for this class of vessels. The delivery of the Cape class vessel clearly shows Austal's unrivalled ability to design and construct defence vessels on-time and on-budget.'
Eight Cape class vessels have previously been delivered to the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service by Austal between 2013 and 2015 as part of a $330 million contract awarded in August 2011.
More from Naval Warfare
-
BMT and DNV partner to meet Australia’s heavy landing craft requirement
Under Project Land 8710 Phase 2, Australia has been seeking to acquire an undisclosed number of Littoral Manoeuvre Vessels to replace the Balikpapan-class. The programme has an estimated value of AU$1.4 billion (US$910 million), with IOC slated for 2032.
-
Babcock to take over upkeep of Royal Navy Type-23 frigates
The Royal Navy’s Type-23 Duke-class frigates for the UK Royal Navy were designed as anti-submarine warfare (ASW) ships but now have a multi-role function. Of the 16 Type 23s built, 12 remain in service with the Royal Navy and will be replaced by the Type-26 frigates before 2035.
-
Austal completes autonomy trials with former Royal Australian Navy patrol boat
The work took place under the Patrol Boat Autonomy Trial (PBAT), which has been a collaboration between Austal, Greenroom Robotics, the Trusted Autonomous Systems Defence Cooperative Research Centre and the Royal Australian Navy’s (RAN) Warfare Innovation Navy Branch.
-
Singapore launches fourth and final Type 218SG submarine
The era of southeast Asian submarine modernisation has been in full swing fuelled by growing tensions in the South China Sea.
-
Keel laid for third Hellenic Navy frigate as harbour trials start for first
On 24 March 2022, Greece and Naval Group have signed a contract for three defence and intervention (FDI) frigates. Two warships will be due for delivery in 2025 and the third expected the following year, with the deal including an option to add a fourth frigate to be ready in 2027.