Australia launches second of six Evolved Cape class patrol boat.

According to information published by the Australian government on March 5, 2022, the MoD launched the second of six Evolved Cape Class Patrol Boats at the Austal Ships shipyard in Henderson, Western Australia.
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Second of six Evolved Cape class patrol boat 315 (Picture source: Australian MoD)

Following its official launch today, the second patrol vessel will receive finishing touches and undergo sea trials before being delivered to the Navy later this year.

Assistant Minister for Defence, the Hon. Andrew Hastie MP said the Evolved Cape Class Patrol Boats were a vital capability that would be used by the Navy to continue to secure our borders and protect Australia’s sovereignty at sea.

The Evolved Cape Class Patrol Boats will be used by the Navy for border protection, fisheries, and constabulary duties until the Arafura Class Offshore Patrol Vessels enter service.

All six boats are currently under construction, the first vessel was launched last October and is currently undergoing sea trials. The remaining vessels will be delivered at approximately four-month intervals, with the last handover to Defence scheduled for late 2023.

Based on Austal’s proven 58-metre aluminium monohull design, the Evolved Capes include a number of enhancements that further extend the capability of the vessel and the fleet.

Crew capacity on the Evolved Capes has been increased by 10 people, and quality-of-life provisions have been enhanced, ensuring those who operate the new patrol boats have connectivity to the outside world.