Austal upgrading Australian Navy patrol boats

The Royal Australian Navy's fleet of Armidale-class patrol boats are to receive midlife remediation and upgrades from Austal Australia.

As many of seven vessels are to receive the hull remediation, corrective maintenance and configuration changes at Austal's shipyard in Henderson, Western Australia, beginning this month.

"As the original designer and builder of the Armidale-class, Austal is in an ideal position to deliver this important, mid-life enhancement work to a proven naval platform," said Austal Chief Executive Officer David Singleton. "Our inherent knowledge base and practical experience building and servicing the hard-working Armidale fleet will ensure the vessels depart Austal in 2017 as a fully operational and effective capability."

Austal is currently providing in-service support to the Australian Border Force's fleet of eight company-built Cape-class patrol boats and has been contracted to provide in-service support for 19 Pacific Patrol Boat Replacement vessels, which enter service from late next year.