Austal delivers tenth evolved Cape-class patrol boat to Australia

March 3, 2026, by Fatima Bahtić

Defense shipbuilder Austal has delivered the tenth evolved Cape-class patrol boat, Cape Hawke, to the Royal Australian Navy.

The ceremony was held at the company’s Henderson shipyard in Western Australia. The ADV Cape Hawke is the tenth ECCPB to be delivered from Austal’s Henderson, Western Australia, shipyard in just over five years, marking the successful completion of the Royal Australian Navy’s evolved Cape-class patrol boat program.

Austal Limited Chief Executive Officer Paddy Gregg said the delivery of the final vessel represents a significant achievement for Austal, its workforce, and the broader Western Australian naval shipbuilding enterprise.

“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 added.

“This achievement demonstrates the strength of Western Australia’s naval shipbuilding industry and the power of sustained collaboration across government, industry and the supply chain. 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.”

The SEA1445-1 evolved Cape-class patrol boat project was originally awarded for six 58-metre aluminium monohull patrol boats in May 2020. The program was extended by two additional vessels in April 2022 and a further two in February 2024, bringing the total to ten vessels for the Royal Australian Navy.

Two additional evolved Cape-class patrol boats are currently under construction for the Australian Border Force at Austal’s Henderson shipyard in Western Australia.

Austal Australia continues to deliver Guardian-class patrol boats under the Pacific Patrol Boat Replacement Project (SEA3036-1) for the Department of Defense, with 23 (of 24 vessels contracted) delivered since 2018.