Group : Patrol Boats
Status : Active
Origin : Australia
Contractor : Austal
Initial Operational Capability (IOC) : June 24, 2005
Total Production : 14

The Armidale-class of aluminum patrol boats were ordered by the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) to protect the northern coast of Australia. Its primary mission is to intercept and apprehend vessels in a greater range of sea conditions than the earlier patrol boats classes. The weapon system has been specifically designed to face terrorist threats and to protect naval forces. These offshore patrol vessels also feature enhanced maneuverability to catch up elusive crafts. Austal shipyard in Henderson, Australia, built 14 vessels for the RAN commissioned between mid-2005 and early 2008.

The Armidale-class patrol boats are equipped with the Toplite surveillance and targeting payload and the Typhoon MK 25 naval gun system equipped with the medium caliber Bushmaster cannon. Mating Toplite targeting system and Typhoon stabilized gun, they will be able to effectively defeat surface threats in a variety of sea conditions. Besides, these ships are equipped with two 12.7mm M2HB heavy machine guns. The propulsion system consist of two MTU 16V M70 diesel engines developing 2,320 KW each. The aluminum-made hull features sea state active ride control system based on hydraulic stabilizer fins and stern trim tabs.