Austal Australia delivers Guardian class patrol boat Nafanua III to Samoa.

According to information published by Austal on November 22, 2023, the company has successfully delivered its 18th Guardian-class Patrol Boat to the Australian Department of Defence.
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Guardian class patrol boat Nafanua II. (Picture source: US Gov)

The handover of the vessel, named Nafanua III, occurred during a formal ceremony at HMAS Stirling in Western Australia on November 22, 2023. In a gesture of international cooperation, the Australian Government gifted Nafanua III to the Samoa Police Service.

Alongside two 58 metre Evolved Cape-class Patrol Boats for the Royal Australian Navy, this marks Austal's fifth vessel delivery this year from its Western Australian shipyards.

The Guardian-class Patrol Boat represents a significant upgrade from the previous Pacific-class vessels. It boasts enhanced speed, seakeeping abilities, amenities, and mission capabilities, including an integrated RHIB stern launch and recovery system. This advancement bolsters the naval assets available for border patrols, regional policing, search and rescue, and other operations both domestically and internationally.

The Pacific Patrol Boat Replacement Project, awarded to Austal Australia in May 2016 and expanded through subsequent contract options in April 2018 and November 2022, now encompasses 22 vessels valued at over A$350 million. The project benefits numerous Pacific nations, including Papua New Guinea, Fiji, the Federated States of Micronesia, and others.

The 39.5 metre steel monohull patrol boat, an Austal Australia design and construction, is based on a proven platform that includes the 38 metre Bay-class, 56 metre Armidale-class, and 58 metre Cape-class patrol boats currently in service with the Australian Border Force and Royal Australian Navy.