Australia’s border force is set to bolster its maritime capabilities with the recent contract awarded to Austal Limited for the construction of two new Evolved Cape-class patrol vessels. This substantial project is valued at 135 million Australian dollars (approximately 89.7 million U.S. dollars), marking an expansion of Canberra’s existing orders to a total of 14 vessels within this series.
This latest investment follows the successful delivery of the ADV Cape Spencer (P225) in September, which was the ninth vessel from this innovative class. The program, which began with an initial agreement signed in 2020, is focused on enhancing national security by improving offshore surveillance and supporting broader naval operations, responding effectively to the vast challenges faced in Australia’s maritime domain.
Austal Limited CEO Paddy Gregg remarked on the significance of the Evolved Cape-class Patrol Boats, stating, “Over the past five years, the Evolved Cape-class Patrol Boats have proven themselves as highly capable, reliable assets for Australia’s border protection missions.” This new order is designed to further enhance Australia’s maritime surveillance and response capabilities, particularly across Northern Australia.
The Evolved Cape-class vessels are each 58 meters (190 feet) long and can accommodate a crew of 32 personnel. They are powered by twin Caterpillar 3516C diesel engines that yield a combined horsepower of 6,770, enabling efficient navigation with twin shafts supplemented by a bow thruster.
In terms of armament, these vessels can be outfitted with either a 20 to 30-millimeter remote-controlled weapon system or 12.7-millimeter crew-served machine guns, ensuring robust defensive capabilities. With a top speed of 26 knots (approximately 48 kilometers per hour or 30 miles per hour) and an impressive operational range of up to 4,000 nautical miles (7,408 kilometers or 4,603 miles), the Evolved Cape-class patrol vessels are engineered to effectively patrol and protect Australia’s extensive maritime borders.
