Navy’s second Cape-class patrol boat launched

The second of six evolved Cape-class patrol boats was launched yesterday at the Austal Ships shipyard in Henderson, Western Australia.

CAPTION: Assistant Minister for Defence Andrew Hastie (right) and Austal senior staff walk down a wharf at the Austal Ships shipyard in Henderson, Western Australia, on launch day for the second Cape-class patrol boat. Photo by Leading Seaman Craig Walton.

Following its official launch, the second patrol vessel will receive finishing touches and undergo sea trials before being delivered to the Royal Australian Navy later this year.

Assistant Minister for Defence Andrew Hastie said the evolved Cape-class patrol boats were a vital capability that would be used by Navy to continue to secure Australia’s borders and protect Australia’s sovereignty at sea.

“This is also a great day for WA’s defence industry, marking another important milestone in the Government’s Naval Shipbuilding Plan – further strengthening our sovereign defence industry capability and delivering the largest regeneration of our naval fleet since the Second World War,” Assistant Minister Hastie said.

“I was pleased to launch this vessel.

“Building these vessels here in Western Australia means a stronger defence force that will protect our borders and our national security interests, and create long-term local jobs.

“We are an island nation and these vessels will play a crucial role in the protection of Australia’s maritime and national security interests.”

The evolved Cape-class patrol boats will be used by the Royal Australian Navy for border protection, fisheries and constabulary duties until the Arafura-class offshore patrol vessels enter service.

All six boats are currently under construction, the first vessel was launched last October and is currently undergoing sea trials.

The remaining vessels will be delivered at approximately four-month intervals, with the last handover to Defence scheduled for late next year.

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