New patrol boat handed over to Republic of Fiji Navy

The Republic of Fiji Navy recently took delivery of a new Guardian-class patrol boat built by Western Australia-based defence shipbuilder Austal.

This is the third Guardian‑class patrol boat delivered to Fiji, and the 22nd vessel delivered by Australia under the Pacific Maritime Security Program.

The 39.5 metre Guardian-class steel monohull patrol boat is based on a proven design platform that has included the 38 metre Bay-class, the 56-metre Armidale-class and the 58-metre Evolved Cape-class patrol boats. These vessels were built by Austal for service with the Australian Border Force and the Royal Australian Navy.

The vessel is designed to be equipped with an assortment of automatic weapons, though the standard configuration will include a pair of 12.7mm machine guns on the flanks and a 30mm autocannon on the foredeck. There is also an open aft deck with an area of 16 square metres for transporting additional personnel or cargo.

The vessel also features an integrated stern launch and recovery system for one rigid inflatable boat for use in at-sea interceptions and boardings as well as a SOLAS-approved, outboard-powered fast rescue boat that can accommodate 15 people.