Austal Australia is proud to announce the successful delivery of 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 19 April, attended by representatives from the Australian Department of Defence, the Royal Australian Navy, the Maldives National Defence Force and Austal.
Austal Chief Executive Officer, Paddy Gregg said the milestone represents a proud achievement for the company, and Australia’s sovereign shipbuilding industry.
“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"
Paddy Gregg, CEO
“Austal is proud to have constructed all 24 steel-hulled vessels from our Henderson shipyard, supporting local jobs and demonstrating Australia’s world-class naval shipbuilding capability.
“We are honoured to contribute to Australia’s long-standing partnerships with regional nations, including the Republic of the Maldives, and to support greater security and stability across the Indo-Pacific.
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 Patrol Boats 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.
With all 24 vessels now delivered, Austal remains committed to supporting the sustainment and ongoing capability of the Guardian-class fleet through its in-service support team, programs and facilities located in Henderson, Cairns, Brisbane and Darwin.
Watch a celebratory video produced to celebrate the completion of the Guardian-class Patrol Boat Program here:
