The Royal Australian Navy has received its seventh of 10 new evolved Cape-class patrol boats from Austal Australia.
In a press release on Friday, Austal CEO Paddy Gregg said ADV Cape Solander is one of two deliveries expected for the Australian government in 2024.
Canberra expanded its order in February, exercising an option on a $101 million contract to add two vessels to the original eight-boat deal.
Gregg highlighted the deal as being a product of collaboration. “Working closely with our valued supply chain partners and the project teams from the Department of Defence and Royal Australian Navy, the Austal Australia team is collaborating effectively to deliver sovereign capability for Australia,” he said.
The aluminum monohull patrol boat can carry 32 personnel and run at 26 knots. It can sail 4,000 nautical miles before it needs to be refueled, assist in a wide range of maritime security missions and launch two tender response vessels simultaneously.
Apart from delivering patrol boats, Austal Australia will also deliver sustainment services for the vessels in its facilities in Henderson, Western Australia, Cairns, Queensland, and Darwin, Northern Territory.