[World News] Australia announces Pacific Patrol Boat Program

A Pacific-class patrol boat donated by Australia to Papua New Guinea under a previous Pacific Patrol Boat Program. Source: Chris Sattler

Australian foreign minister, Julie Bishop, and defence minister, David Johnston, unveiled on 17 June a AUD2 billion (USD1.88 billion) programme to replace the current fleet of patrol boats for 13 Pacific Island states.

Bishop said the programme would significantly strengthen security in the Australian region.

"The Pacific Patrol Boat Program is an important pillar of the Australian government's commitment to working with our regional partners to enable cohesive security co-operation on maritime surveillance, including in fisheries protection and transnational crime," she said.

According to Johnston, the current fleet of 22 patrol boats gifted to 12 Pacific Island states between 1987 and 1997 are now approaching the end of their service life.

"This new programme will involve the construction of more than 20 steel, all-purpose patrol vessels that will considerably enhance the maritime security of our Pacific and regional partners," he said, adding that Australia had "fundamental strategic interest in the security and stability of Pacific island nations".

The boats, which will be built in Australia, are expected to cost the government AUD594 million, with through-life sustainment and personnel costs estimated at AUD1.38 billion over 30 years. The Australian Department of Defence (DoD) will undertake an open tender for the procurement of the vessels, with the process to include an option for ongoing sustainment and crew training.

The vessels will be offered to all states currently participating in the programme, including Papua New Guinea, Tonga, the Solomon Islands, Fiji, Tuvalu, Kiribati, Samoa, Vanuatu, the Federated States of Micronesia, Palau, the Republic of Marshall Islands, and the Cook Islands. Timor-Leste may also be added to the programme.

 COMMENT 

Australia lies close to a number of Pacific Islands whose governments lack the resources to patrol what are often vast territorial waters. This presents a security challenge to the Australian government when tackling issues such as human smuggling and maritime piracy.

The Pacific Patrol Boat Program is seen as bolstering Australia's effort to enhance the security of its maritime region by augmenting the maritime capabilities of its immediate neighbours.

  ★ Janes