Austal Australia wins contract for Two New Evolved Cape-Class Patrol Boats for Border Protection.

According to a PR published by Austal on December 22, 2024, the firm has been awarded a new contract to construct two additional Evolved Cape-class Patrol Boats for the Australian Border Force. This A$137.02 million agreement brings the total number of these advanced vessels built by Austal to 12, with eight already delivered since 2020. The new patrol boats are expected to enhance the operational capabilities of Maritime Border Command.
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Austal Australia awarded $137M contract to build two more Evolved Cape-class Patrol Boats for enhanced border defense. (Picture source: Austal)

The Evolved Cape-class Patrol Boats represent an evolution in maritime defense technology. Designed and constructed by Austal, these vessels feature expanded amenities to accommodate up to 32 personnel, enhanced onboard systems to improve quality of life, and cutting-edge sustainment intelligence technologies. These features ensure the boats are capable of handling a wide range of missions, from border surveillance to constabulary operations, while maintaining high reliability and performance at sea. The two new patrol boats will complement the Australian Border Force’s current fleet, which includes eight original Cape-class vessels delivered by Austal between 2012 and 2015.

Austal has demonstrated its shipbuilding expertise through the successful execution of the SEA1445-1 program, which initially included six vessels for the Royal Australian Navy. This project has expanded multiple times. To date, eight Evolved Cape-class Patrol Boats have been delivered, and two more are under construction at Austal’s Henderson shipyard in Western Australia.

Australian Border Force

The Marine Unit of the Australian Border Force (ABF) is a vital component of Australia’s maritime security framework, functioning as the country’s de facto coast guard. Operating within the Maritime Border Command, a joint agency led by the ABF and the Australian Defence Force (ADF), the Marine Unit ensures the security and integrity of Australia’s extensive maritime borders. Its primary mission includes surveillance and law enforcement across Australia’s Exclusive Economic Zone, focusing on preventing unauthorized maritime arrivals, intercepting illegal activities such as smuggling and resource exploitation, and countering maritime terrorism.

The fleet includes vessels such as the ABFC Ocean Shield, the largest in the unit, and the ABFC Thaiyak, which is stationed at the Ashmore and Cartier Islands.

Cape-Class patrol boats are integral to its operations. The Marine Unit has been actively involved in initiatives like Operation Sovereign Borders, aimed at deterring people smuggling, and Operation Lunar, targeting illegal fishing activities in northern waters.