Australia orders two additional Guardian-class patrol boats from Austal

The Australian Government has ordered two additional Guardian-class patrol boats from Austal Australia.

The 39.5-meter, steel-hull patrol boats, to be constructed at Henderson in Western Australia are in addition to the 22 Guardian-class patrol boats previously ordered by the Australian Government

Australia has previously ordered the ships under the Pacific Patrol Boat Replacement Project (SEA3036-1). The vessels are slated for delivery in 2026.

The value of the contract is A$39 million ($25.8 million).

Nineteen of the 22 vessels have been delivered to twelve Pacific Island nations under the Australian Government’s Pacific Maritime Security Program since 2018.

“Of the 30 vessels Austal Australia has delivered since 2018, 19 have been Guardian-class Patrol Boats for the Australian Department of Defence. These vessels were designed and constructed by our team here in Western Australia, with the support of our highly capable supply chain partners,” Paddy Gregg, CEO of Austal commented.

The patrol boats are faster than the previous Pacific-class patrol boats, with improved seakeeping, better amenities, and an enhanced mission capability, including an integrated RHIB stern launch and recovery system, according to Austal.

The Pacific Patrol Boat Replacement Project (SEA3036-1) was awarded to Austal Australia in May 2016, with additional contract options awarded in April 2018 and October 2022.

With the addition of a further two vessels, the project now comprises 24 Guardian-class patrol boats and a total contract value of approximately A$400 million ($265 million).