Littoral Capabilities on Show at Pacific 08

With a growing international need to patrol littoral waters effectively and economically, Austal will be showcasing its range of high speed, lightweight aluminium defence vessels at Pacific Maritime 2008, held at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre on January 29 - February 01.

By utilising advanced aluminium hull platforms which allow increased manoeuvrability, shallow drafts, reduced maintenance, high speeds and increased payloads, Austal’s defence vessels provide naval solutions at a time when conventional fleets face increased pressure to address modern national security threats.

Following the recent completion of Australia’s landmark 14-vessel Armidale Class Patrol Boat fleet - which follows on from similar deliveries to the Government of Kuwait, Yemen Ministry of Defence, Australian Customs Service and the New South Wales Water Police - Austal’s standing as a world leader in the design and construction of modern naval fleets continues to grow.

The official commissioning of the final Armidale Class Patrol Boat, HMAS “Glenelg”, will be held on February 22nd. Throughout Pacific Maritime 2008, HMAS “Armidale” will be on-water and available for public inspection by appointment with Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO).

Austal will also be displaying details of the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS), which showcases the latest in advanced combat ship technology. Austal’s 127 metre LCS-2 “Independence” is due to be launched at Austal’s Mobile, Alabama shipyard in the first half of 2008.

Austal will be located at Stand 5S14 throughout the exhibition.