Second Evolved Cape-class Patrol Boat launched
The second Evolved Cape-class patrol boat, as yet unnamed. (Photo: Austal)
The Evolved Cape-class builds on the capabilities of the in-service Cape-class vessels.
On 5 March, Austal announced the launch of the second of six Evolved Cape-class Patrol Boats for the Royal Australian Navy (RAN).
After 18 months of construction, the 58m vessel was launched at the company's shipyard in Henderson, Western Australia, by Assistant Minister for Defence Andrew Hastie.
Hastie said: ‘This is a great day for WA’s defence industry. Today marks another important milestone in the government’s Naval Shipbuilding Plan - further strengthening our sovereign defence industry capability and delivering the largest regeneration of our naval fleet since the Second World War.’
Austal CEO Paddy Gregg said the first-in-class patrol boat would be handed over in March, with follow-on vessels delivered every four months after that.
Austal was awarded an A$324 million ($238 million) contract for the six vessels in May 2020. Australia operates ten Cape-class boats between its navy and border force, while two have been exported to Trinidad & Tobago.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Evolved Cape Class (1-6) [Australia]
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Saab signs modernisation deal for Sweden’s coastal anti-ship missile capability]()
Saab signs modernisation deal for Sweden’s coastal anti-ship missile capability
Sweden’s Baltic coastal defence will be upgraded with new missile options.
-
![South Korea chooses LIG Nex1 for reconnaissance USV]()
South Korea chooses LIG Nex1 for reconnaissance USV
The uncrewed surface vessel was secured with a DAPA contract.
-
![Pakistan Navy takes second OPV 2600 vessel from Damen]()
Pakistan Navy takes second OPV 2600 vessel from Damen
The PNS Yamama completes the class of maritime security vessels.
-
![Hanwha Ocean to build FFX Batch-IV frigates for South Korea]()
Hanwha Ocean to build FFX Batch-IV frigates for South Korea
Hanwha Ocean aims for consistency between Batch-III and Batch-IV, despite radical technological overhaul.
-
![Navantia signs deal to supply new Avante 2200 corvettes to Saudi Arabia]()
Navantia signs deal to supply new Avante 2200 corvettes to Saudi Arabia
The vessels are the latest additions to an ongoing supply arrangement for Saudi Arabia’s defence force.
