Navy Accepts 3rd Evolved Cape-Class Patrol Boat

Austal has delivered the third of eight Evolved Cape-class patrol boats to the Australian navy, the company reports.

The Cape Naturaliste has been officially accepted by the Australian government, Austal said in a release on Nov. 3.

The patrol boats are 190-feet (58-m) long and offer improved amenities and intelligence systems than the original Cape-class boats. The Evolved Cape-class vessels will be used for a variety of constabulary and naval missions.

The Cape Naturaliste is the third boat in the class delivered this year, following Cape Otway and Cape Peron in March and August 2022, respectively.

All eight patrol boats are on track to be delivered by mid-2024.