Austal launches first Guardian-class PPB
Austal has launched the first of 21 Guardian-class Pacific Patrol Boats (PPB), the company announced on 30 May.
The boats are being built under Australia's Pacific Patrol Boat Replacement Project. The 21 vessels will be delivered to 13 nations from October 2018, while this first boat will be handed over to Papua New Guinea.
The PPBs are 39.5m long with a beam of 8m and a loaded draft of 2.5m. The vessels are capable of travelling 3,000 nm at 12kt, with a maximum speed of 20kt. Each vessel can accommodate 23 people.
Construction work on the second and the third vessels has already begun, while the fourth boat will enter the build phase in June 2018.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Fincantieri and TKMS partner for Philippine submarine bid]()
Fincantieri and TKMS partner for Philippine submarine bid
The companies have banded together to promote the Fincantieri U212 NFS offering, and hinted that the collaboration may not be a one-bid phenomenon.
-
![Naval modernisation accelerates amid geopolitical tension and tech evolution]()
Naval modernisation accelerates amid geopolitical tension and tech evolution
The global naval market is undergoing a notable transformation, with growth driven by both escalating geopolitical tensions and the emergence of innovative technologies. Across NATO, but particularly in Europe, navies are accelerating modernisation efforts, spurred by renewed threats and persistent capability gaps.
-
![Two new European logistics support vessels enter sea trials]()
Two new European logistics support vessels enter sea trials
The two Logistic Support Ships (LSS), contracted under Organisation for Joint Armament Co-operation, (OCCAR), should be commissioned into service later in 2025.
