Austal Australia has secured a $103 million contract extension to deliver two more Evolved Cape-class patrol boats for the Royal Australian Navy.
The new agreement expands the company’s ongoing partnership with the Australian government to provide RAN with 10 new vessels.
Under the SEA1445-1 Project, Austal has already delivered six patrol boats, the latest of which was fulfilled in October, and two additional units are being constructed.
According to Austal CEO Paddy Gregg, the Evolved Capes will enhance the military’s capability for maritime surveillance in Northern Australia.
The additional patrol boats will support the establishment of a sovereign naval shipbuilding workforce in Australia, allowing Austal to collaborate with supply chain partners from across the country, the CEO added.
Designed for 32 people, the Evolved Cape’s advanced sustainment intelligence systems bolster the Navy’s ability to win and fight at sea, Austal said.
The patrol boats support a variety of constabulary and naval missions and serve as critical maritime assets to advance Australia’s national security, the company added.
Austal supports the Cape, Evolved Cape and Guardian-class patrol boats in Western Australia, Queensland and the Northern Territory. The Australian Border Force and Royal Australian Navy operate the vessels.
Meanwhile, Austal Australia has an existing contract to supply the Australian government with 22 Guardian-class patrol boats under the Pacific Patrol Boat Replacement Project, with 18 units already delivered.