The Royal Australian Navy has welcomed two more evolved Cape-class patrol boats into commissioned service in a ceremony at the homeport of HMAS Coonawarra in Darwin.
As informed, two new patrol boats, Cape Schanck and Cape Solander, entered the navy’s fleet in a ceremony held on May 8, 2025.
Commander Surface Force, Commodore Terence Morrison , DSM, said the commissioning of the evolved Cape-class patrol boats celebrated the work already conducted by the crew and provided the navy with increased operational capability and greater mission flexibility.
“The commissioning of HMAS Cape Schanck and HMAS Cape Solander demonstrates their importance to Australia and the Australian people, and what we stand for as a nation,” Commodore Morrison added.
“It also represents Navy’s commitment to protecting Australia and its interests, as well as upholding maritime security and ensuring peace and stability within our region. The Evolved Cape Class Patrol boats, named for capes around Australia’s coastline, have quickly become the backbone of Navy’s commitment to Operation Resolute.”
The ships have been operating as Australian defense vessels (ADVs), and will continue to be used for the full spectrum of patrol boat operations, including border, resources and fisheries protection, customs and drug law enforcement operations, and international engagement.
In May 2020, Austal Australia was awarded a contract to design and construct six evolved Cape-class patrol boats for the Royal Australian Navy. Less than 2 years later, the company delivered the first of the evolved Capes, the ADV Cape Otway (314), and has delivered the remaining five vessels over 2022-23. The Australian Navy ordered four more units, bringing the total number of ships to ten.
Recently, Austal launched the ninth vessel in this class, HMAS Cape Spencer.