Austal Australia has delivered the 24th and final Guardian-class patrol boat (GCPB) to the Commonwealth of Australia, which has been gifted to the Republic of Maldives under the Defence Cooperation Program.
The delivery marks the formal completion of the Pacific Patrol Boat Replacement Project (SEA3036-1) acquisition program, which commenced in 2016.
The official vessel handover ceremony took place at HMAS Stirling in Western Australia on April 19, attended by representatives from the Australian Department of Defense, the Royal Australian Navy, the Maldives National Defence Force, and Austal.
“The delivery of this final Guardian-class Patrol Boat marks the successful completion of the acquisition phase of the Pacific Patrol Boat Replacement Project (SEA3036-1) by Austal, for the Commonwealth of Australia,” Austal Chief Executive Officer, Paddy Gregg , said.
Designed and constructed by Austal in Henderson, Western Australia, the Guardian-class patrol boats form a key component of the Australian Government’s Pacific Maritime Security Program and Defence Cooperation Program, supporting regional partners to enhance maritime security, sovereignty and resilience.
The steel hull Guardian-class vessels are 39.5 metres in length, capable of speeds in excess of 20 knots, and designed for extended regional security operations in challenging maritime environments.
To remind, the 23rd vessel in this program was delivered in January this year.