Australian government orders two additional Guardian-class patrol boats

The Australian Government has ordered two additional Guardian-class patrol boats from Austal Australia by way of a contract valued at approximately AU$39 million (US$26 million). The 39.5-metre, steel-hull patrol boats, to be constructed at Henderson in Western Australia and scheduled for delivery in 2026, are in addition to the 22 Guardian-class boats previously ordered by the Australian government under the Pacific Patrol Boat Replacement Project (SEA3036-1) since 2016.

Nineteen of the 22 vessels have been delivered to 12 Pacific Island nations under the Australian government's Pacific Maritime Security Program since 2018. Faster than the previous Pacific-class patrol boats, with improved seakeeping, better amenities, and an enhanced mission capability – including an integrated RIB stern launch and recovery system – the Guardian-class patrol boats will provide Pacific Island nations with the capability to carry out border patrols, regional policing, search and rescue, and many other operations domestically and internationally.

The 39.5 metre Guardian-class steel monohull patrol boat is based on a proven design platform that has included the 38 metre Bay-class, the 56-metre Armidale-class and the 58-metre Evolved Cape-class patrol boats. These vessels were built by Austal for service with the Australian Border Force and the Royal Australian Navy.