First of six Evolved Cape-class Patrol Boats enters final fit-out ahead of delivery to the Australian Border Force in late 2026.
Austal has launched the first Evolved Cape–class Patrol Boat for the Australian Border Force. The event marks a key milestone in the ongoing relationship between Austal, the Australian Border Force and the Commonwealth of Australia.
The parol boat is the first in a six-boat programme currently under construction at Austal’s Henderson shipyard in Western Australia. The order was expanded in May 2026, when two additional vessels were added to the original four-boat contract. All six patrol boats will be built with support from Austal’s national and local supply chain and other partnerships
The launch follows the recent completion of Austal’s 10-vessel Evolved Cape-class programme for the Royal Australian Navy, with Australian Defence Vessel Cape Hawke delivered in March 2026.
Designed to undertake a broad range of maritime security and border protection missions, the 58.1-metre Evolved Cape-class Patrol Boats incorporate enhanced crew accommodation, improved quality-of-life features and advanced sustainment technologies aimed at increasing operational effectiveness and reducing through-life support requirements.
Austal’s CEO Paddy Gregg said, “Constructed by our experienced workforce, with the benefit of our demonstrated partnerships, and incorporating Austal’s commitment to innovation, orders like these for the Australian Border Force recognise this platform as a core component of national maritime security.”
“Austal is enthusiastically contributing to the expansion of the ABF fleet once again and looks forward to delivering a vessel that will satisfy its important mission requirements. We remain grateful to the Australian Border Force and the Commonwealth of Australia for their confidence in Austal and collaboration with us.”
Austal has a proven track record with the Cape-class design, having delivered eight original Cape-class Patrol Boats to the Australian Border Force between 2012 and 2015. The company has also supplied Cape-class variants to the Royal Australian Navy and the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard.
The outfitting of the newly launched vessel will continue ahead of its planned completion and delivery in the fourth quarter of 2026.
