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Austal has secured its first European defence contract with an order for four 21.2 metre inshore patrol craft – including training and spares support – with the Armed Forces of Malta (AFM).
The vessels will be built at Austal’s Australian facilities and are scheduled for delivery by the end of the year.
Intended to assist the AFM with surveillance and border protection throughout Malta’s coastal waters, the vessels will have a maximum speed of more than 26 knots and will be capable of supporting 7.62mm and 12.7mm guns.
The new order adds to Austal's current patrol craft contracts comprising six high speed vessels for the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard and three patrol catamarans for the Queensland Police. Austal also has contracts to design and build the US Navy’s 127 metre Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) and 103 metre Joint High Speed Vessel (JHSV).
Managing Director Bob Browning said Austal was fielding increased interest from nations seeking fast and economical aluminium patrol craft for protection against modern-day coastal border security threats.
“Following significant patrol boat deliveries to countries including Yemen, Kuwait and Australia, Austal is pleased to add Malta to its growing defence customer base while making important inroads into the traditionally self-reliant European defence market,” Mr Browning said.
Austal was awarded the contract following a competitive international tender process, which called for a proven design that addressed specific AFM requirements, as well as meeting a demanding delivery schedule.
Once completed, the order will bring Austal’s total number of defence vessels to more than 60, including the 14 Armidale Class patrol boats built for the Royal Australian Navy, 10 vessels for Yemen and eight Australian Customs vessels.
Austal Vice President – Global Defence Sales, John Caccivio said Austal’s advanced aluminium defence platforms – typified by their speed, shallow drafts, flexibility and reduced maintenance costs – were finding increased global relevance.
“To now extend our reach to the European defence market – a market that usually shows preference towards domestic builds – underlines not only the uniqueness of the Austal product but also the evolution of maritime security challenges, such as piracy and terrorism, within global littoral waters,” Mr Caccivio said.
By utilising a planing aluminium hull, the 21.2 metre inshore patrol craft combines economical performance at all operational speeds with superior seakeeping in varying sea conditions.
Speaking at yesterday’s contract signing ceremony in Malta, AMF Lt Col Martin Sammut said the vessels were a logical progression from the AMF’s current fleet.
“These patrol vessels will enhance the border surveillance capabilities owing to better sea-keeping characteristics, extended range of operations, and better endurance than the current inshore patrol boats. These aluminium vessels will be operated by a maximum crew of 8 personnel and will be a major improvement in crew comfort and safety owing to better crew accommodation and enhanced catering and messing facilities,” Lt Col Sammut said.
AFM responsibilities include maintaining Malta’s territorial waters through combating terrorism and illicit drug trafficking, conducting anti-illegal immigrant and anti-illegal fishing operations, operating Search and Rescue (SAR) services, and physical/electronic security/surveillance of sensitive locations.
CURRENT AUSTAL DEFENCE CONTRACTS:
– 1 x 127m Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) for US Navy
– 1 x 103m Joint High Speed Vessel (JHSV) for US Department of Defence (plus nine contract options)
– 3 x 22m Police Boats for Queensland Police Service
– 6 x 30m Patrol Boats for Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard
