By Graham Davis

Defence Minister, Senator Robert Hill, has announced that the partnership of DMS and Austal at Henderson in Western Australia is the preferred tenderer for the supply of the RAN’s new fleet of Armidale Class patrol boats.

The $550 million contract calls for twelve, 57-metre long aluminium boats each mounted with a Rafael 25mm Typhoon stabilised cannon and carrying two RHIBs.

“Contracts will be settled in the next couple of months, construction will begin and the first boat is due for delivery in early 2005,” Senator Hill told a news conference on the flight deck of HMAS Sydney (CMDRMichael Van Balen).

He described the new patrol boats as “a small warship”.

“The new boats are bigger and faster they are much more seaworthy and can stay out longer in heavy seas.” Senator Hill said.

DCN RADM Rowan Moffitt and the Acting Head of Defence Materiel Organisation, RADM Kevin Scarce joined Senator Hill for the official announcement.

DMS/Austal outbid Tenix who tendered to provide a steel patrol boat and ADI Ltd who tendered a fibreglass vessel, for the contract.

Senator Hill said the contract calling for the provision of the craft also calls for 15 years of service and maintenance to them, stipulating DMS/Austal must provide 3,000 operational days annually from the craft with an additional 600 days should operational requirements surge.

Of the 3000 days, 1800 will be directed towards Coastwatch operations.

He said the new boats would have a range of 3000 nautical miles, 25 per cent up on that of the Fremantles.
They will be used in roles ranging from supporting Customs and the Australian Federal Police to fisheries protection, immigration and anti piracy.

“This is a further step in the upgrading of Defence, it is a great boost to the Navy.”

Minister announces class names

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