Australian defence department orders two additional Evolved Cape-class patrol boats

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison recently confirmed that the country’s Department of Defence (DOD) will order two additional Evolved Cape-class patrol boats from local shipyard Austal.

The two new vessels are in addition to the six Evolved Cape-class boats that are currently being delivered by Austal Australia for the Royal Australian Navy (RAN).

Based on the original 58-metre aluminium monohull design, the Evolved Cape-class boats will include several enhancements that further extend their capabilities. Crew capacity has been increased by 10 people to now total 32 and quality-of-life provisions have been enhanced, ensuring those who operate the new vessels have connectivity to the outside world, regardless of the operating environment.