Australia has awarded Austal Limited a 135-million-Australian-dollar contract to build two additional Evolved Cape-class patrol boats for the nation’s border force. The order brings total production under the program to 14 vessels, reinforcing maritime surveillance and offshore security. The 58-meter vessels accommodate 32 personnel and feature twin diesel engines producing 6,770 horsepower, enabling speeds of up to 26 knots and a range of 4,000 nautical miles. The ships can be armed with remote-controlled weapon systems or crew-served machine guns. The program, launched in 2020, supports Australia’s broader maritime security and naval support objectives.
