PNG receives first Guardian-class patrol boat
The Australian Department of Defence has handed over the first Guardian-class patrol boat, HMPNGS Ted Diro, to Papua New Guinea (PNG) under Australia's Pacific Maritime Security programme.
This is the first of four new boats to be gifted to PNG as part of the Pacific Patrol Boat Replacement project, and the first of 21 Guardian-class patrol boats that will be gifted to 12 Pacific island countries and Timor-Leste.
The 39.5m steel-hulled Guardian-class patrol boats are being built by Austal in Western Australia under a project worth over $350 million.
Christopher Pyne, Australia’s Minister for Defence, said: ‘The Ted Diro handover marks the start of the maritime element of the Morrison government’s commitment to the new Pacific Maritime Security programme. The new vessels replace the current Pacific patrol boats, operated by 12 participating nations, and will provide each nation with enhanced abilities to conduct maritime surveillance and law enforcement operations.’
The next vessel will be gifted to Tuvalu in April 2019, and the last will go to Timor-Leste in October 2023.
More from Naval Warfare
-
Taiwan multiplies mine-layer vessel and UAV inventories to deter PLA
Taiwan is strengthening its deterrence against the PLA through an asymmetric arsenal that includes fast mine-laying vessels and domestically developed UAVs.
-
L3Harris expands footprint across Europe via Everest NL and new contracts
L3Harris is targeting European naval modernisation with new uncrewed surface vessels, SATCOM partnerships, and regional investments including defence exercises and facility openings.
-
Interview: DSTA collaborates with Leonardo, Thales and Safran for naval C-UAS
In an exclusive interview with Shephard, DSTA chief Ng Chad-son outlines how the agency is reshaping defence tech development through deeper collaboration with industry partners, from AI-enhanced radar to smart naval munitions.
-
BAE Systems to collaborate with Umoe Mandal on Type 26 frigate and Littoral Strike Craft
The agreement is intended to boost opportunities for both UK and Norwegian naval shipbuilding.
-
How the Force Design 2028 will impact US Coast Guard acquisitions
The FD 2028 strategy intends to reduce the bureaucracy in procurement processes while speeding up the field of assets.
-
Thin-line towed arrays on uncrewed vessels deliver more cost-effective sonar, says SEA
Miniaturisation of technology opens up radical sensing technologies to smaller navies under submarine threat, according to SEA sonar expert.