Austal has completed its first European defence contract following the commissioning of four 21.2-metre inshore patrol craft for the Armed Forces of Malta (AFM).
The aluminium vessels have a maximum speed of more than 26 knots and will assist the AFM with surveillance and border protection throughout Malta's coastal waters.
The four vessels were built at Austal's Western Australian facility and delivered to Malta via liftship.
Austal's 21.2-metre inshore patrol platform is designed for coastal surveillance and search and rescue. The all-aluminium monohull provides enhanced crew habitability, manoeuvrability and fuel efficiency across various operating conditions.
An elevated fly bridge provides optimal visibility during near-range operations. The vessel is equipped with fire fighting capability via a fire monitor on the aft flybridge deck, alongside two 7.62mm light machine gun mounts. Mounting for one 12.7mm heavy machine gun is positioned near the vessel's bow.
Powering the vessel are two MAN D2842 LE410 diesel engines, each producing 809kW at 2,100rpm and driving fixed pitch propellers. Auxiliary engines consist of two Cummins MDKBUs.
The AFM vessels are classed by DNV with X1A1 LC R2 Patrol notation.
Disclosure: Members of the Baird family or companies in the Baird Publications group own shares in Austal.
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