Royal Australian Navy Orders Two Evolved Cape Patrol Boats

Defense News ,Australian :-  Austal, the prominent shipbuilding company, has been granted a contract extension to develop two more Evolved Cape-class patrol boats for the Royal Australian Navy, reinforcing Canberra's ongoing efforts to expand its patrol fleet and bolster maritime surveillance capabilities. The contract, valued at 157 million Australian dollars ($102.9 million), will bring the total number of Evolved Cape vessels in the navy's fleet to 10.

Australia's strategic decision to integrate Evolved Capes into its naval force was prompted by technical challenges encountered with the older Armidale-class patrol boats in 2015. In 2020, a partnership agreement with Austal was inked for the design and supply of six Evolved Capes, followed by an additional order for two more boats in 2022, with the entire order set for completion this year.

Austal's CEO, Paddy Gregg, highlighted the significance of these new vessels, emphasizing their role in retaining and expanding the sovereign naval shipbuilding workforce in Henderson, Western Australia. The Evolved Capes, constructed by Austal, are instrumental in enhancing the Navy's operational capabilities in Northern Australia, contributing to maritime surveillance and border patrols under Operation Sovereign Borders.

Characteristics of the Evolved Cape patrol boats include a 10.3-meter beam and an overall length of 57.8 meters, improvements in voice and data communication systems, a satellite communication network, modernized integrated bridge systems, and advanced onboard navigation technologies. These vessels can deploy two smaller Gemini boats and accommodate up to 32 personnel. With a top speed of 25 knots and a range exceeding 4,000 nautical miles, the Evolved Cape-class patrol boats play a vital role in Australia's efforts to ensure national security and conduct peacekeeping missions in its waters.