Austal Limited has delivered the tenth Evolved Cape-class Patrol Boat to the Royal Australian Navy, completing the SEA1445-1 program following a ceremony held at Austal’s Henderson shipyard in Western Australia on 3 March 2026.
In a news release, Austal said the ADV Cape Hawke is the final vessel in the program, marking the delivery of ten 58-metre aluminium monohull patrol boats in just over five years since the project began.
The original contract, awarded in May 2020, was for six vessels, and was later expanded in 2022 and 2024 to reach the current total.
Austal Limited Chief Executive Officer Paddy Gregg said the delivery represents an important milestone for the company and for Australia’s sovereign naval shipbuilding capability.
“The delivery of the tenth Evolved Cape-class Patrol Boat is a major milestone for Austal and for Australia’s sovereign naval shipbuilding capability,” Gregg said.
“With the support of our valued supply chain, industry and project partners, Austal has delivered all ten Evolved Capes to the Royal Australian Navy in a little over five years. This outstanding record of performance reflects the capability, productivity and reliability of the Henderson Defence Precinct and everyone involved in the program.”
Gregg added that the achievement highlights the strength of Western Australia’s naval shipbuilding industry and the importance of long-term collaboration across government, industry and suppliers.
“As the Commonwealth’s Strategic Shipbuilder, Austal will continue to engage new and existing partners as we deliver Evolved Cape and Guardian-class Patrol Boats, while preparing for the construction of Landing Craft Medium and Landing Craft Heavy vessels for the Australian Army,” he said.
The Evolved Cape-class vessels are designed to support constabulary and naval missions, with features including accommodation for up to 32 personnel, improved quality-of-life systems and integrated sustainment intelligence technology intended to enhance operational capability.
The patrol boats are part of Australia’s maritime security assets and are deployed across a range of national security and surveillance roles.
Austal said it will continue providing in-service support for Cape, Evolved Cape and Guardian-class patrol boat fleets operated by the Royal Australian Navy, the Australian Border Force and Pacific Island partners through service centres located in Henderson, Cairns and Darwin.
Two additional Evolved Cape-class patrol boats are currently under construction at the Henderson shipyard for the Australian Border Force.
The company said has also delivered 23 of the 24 Guardian-class patrol boats contracted under the Pacific Patrol Boat Replacement Project since 2018.
The content of this article is based on information supplied by Austal Ltd. For more information, please refer to the official company announcement and communications from Austal. Please consult a licensed and/or registered professional in this area before making any decisions based on the content of this article.
