Austal’s Armed Forces of Malta inshore patrol craft order is well on track for delivery in November, just nine months after the contract was signed.

The four vessel fleet being built for the Armed Forces of Malta marks Austal’s debut in the European defence market. Austal was awarded the contract in February of this year 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. The project is being co-financed by the European Union’s External Border Fund 2008.

The vessels will be built with a maximum speed of more than 26 knots and the capability to support 7.62mm and 12.7mm guns, the 21.2 metre vessels are designed to assist the AFM with surveillance and border protection throughout Malta’s coastal waters. Each vessel will be equipped with a 3.4m RIB, stowed and launched off a stern ramp recessed into the main deck.

Austal’s global defence manager Jamie Robinson said the four vessel fleet, which marked Austal’s debut in the European defence market, had already attracted attention from other European nations interested in Austal’s range of high speed aluminium defence platforms.

AFM responsibilities include maintaining Malta’s territorial waters through combating terrorism and illicit drug trafficking, countering illegal fishing operations, conducting Search and Rescue operations, and physical/electronic security surveillance of sensitive locations.

AFM Maritime Squadron Chief Engineering, Captain Brian Pace said, “Besides enhancing our border surveillance capabilities, these vessels have much sought after and better seakeeping characteristics. We’re looking forward to their better endurance, which is complemented by major crew comfort and safety improvements. The superior crew accommodation and enhanced catering and messing facilities for the eight man crew will certainly be a plus factor on these vessels”.