Austal launches final Guardian-class boat

The final Guardian-class patrol boat contracted for construction under the Pacific Patrol Boat Replacement Project. (Austal)

Austal has announced the launch of the final Guardian-class patrol boat constructed under the Pacific Patrol Boat Replacement Project.

The milestone, which was announced by the company on 22 January, concludes a 24-vessel construction programme that began in May 2017.

Under the Australian government-sponsored project, Austal has delivered 22 vessels to Pacific Island countries thus far.

The first of these vessels is now in service as HMPNGS Ted Diro, and it was commissioned by Papua New Guinea in February 2019.

The Guardian class measures 39.5 m in length with an 8 m beam and it displaces approximately 160 tonnes at full load.

Each vessel accommodates a crew of 23 and is powered by two Caterpillar 3516C engines, enabling a top speed of around 20 kt.

Constructed with a steel hull, the class incorporates provisions for a 30 mm naval gun as its primary weapon, complemented by mounts for 12.7 mm general purpose machine guns on the port and starboard sides.

These features provide flexibility for partner nations to tailor armament configurations to their operational requirements.

In its statement, Austal made no mention of the recipient of the final Guardian-class patrol vessel.

However, an image of the vessel accompanying the company's announcement indicate the pennant number P805, which suggests that the hull is destined for Tuvalu given the numbering convention in the country.

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