View source for Armidale-class patrol boat

{{Short description|Class of patrol boats built for the Royal Australian Navy}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2023}}
{{Use Australian English|date=March 2018}}
{|{{Infobox ship begin}}
{{Infobox ship image
| Ship image = HMAS Broome (ACPB 90).jpg
| Ship caption = {{HMAS|Broome|ACPB 90|6}}
}}
{{Infobox ship class overview
| Name = ''Armidale'' class
| Builders = [[Austal]]
| Operators = {{navy|Australia}}
| Class before = {{sclass|Fremantle|patrol boat|4}}
| Class after = {{sclass|Arafura|offshore patrol vessel|4}} and {{sclass2|Cape|patrol boat|4}}
| Cost = A$24–28 million per ship.<ref name=JanesKerr/><ref name=theausdefrep/>
| Built range = 2004–2007
| In commission range = 2005–present
| Total ships completed = 14
| Total ships active = 3
| Total ships laid up = 
| Total ships lost = 1
| Total ships retired = 11
| Total ships preserved = 
}}
{{Infobox ship characteristics
| Ship type = [[Patrol boat]]
| Ship displacement = 300&nbsp;tons standard load
| Ship length = {{convert|56.8|m|ftin|abbr=on}}
| Ship beam = {{convert|9.7|m|ftin|abbr=on}}
| Ship draught = {{convert|2.7|m|ftin|abbr=on}}
| Ship propulsion = 2 × [[MTU Friedrichshafen|MTU]] 4000 16V {{cvt|6225|hp}} diesels driving twin propellers
| Ship speed = {{convert|25|kn}}
| Ship range = {{cvt|3000|nmi}} at {{convert|12|kn}}
| Ship endurance = 21 days standard, 42 days maximum
| Ship boats = 2 × Zodiac {{convert|7.2|m|ft|abbr=on}} [[Rigid-hulled inflatable boat|RHIBs]]
| Ship complement = 21 crew standard, 29 crew maximum, maximum 150 persons onboard
| Ship sensors = Bridgemaster E surface search/navigation radar
| Ship EW = *Prism III radar warning system
*Toplite electro-optical detection system
*Warrlock direction finding system
| Ship armament = *1 × [[Typhoon Weapon System|Rafael Typhoon stabilised gun mount]] fitted with a [[Mark 38 25 mm Machine Gun System|Mk 38]] 25 mm (1 in) [[M242 Bushmaster]] autocannon
*2 × 12.7 mm (0.5 in) machine guns
| Ship notes = 
}}
|}
The '''''Armidale'' class''' is a [[ship class|class]] of [[patrol boat]]s built for the [[Royal Australian Navy]] (RAN). Planning for a class of vessels to replace the fifteen {{sclass|Fremantle|patrol boat|2}}s began in 1993 as a joint project with the [[Royal Malaysian Navy]], but was cancelled when Malaysia pulled out of the process. The project was reopened in 1999 under the designation '''SEA 1444''', with the RAN as the sole participant. Of the seven proposals [[Request for tender|tendered]], the [[Austal]]/[[DMS Maritime|Defence Maritime Services]] (DMS) proposal for twelve vessels based on an enlarged {{sclass2|Bay|patrol boat|2}} was selected. Two additional boats were ordered in 2005 to provide a dedicated patrol force for the [[North West Shelf Venture]].

All fourteen vessels were constructed by [[Austal]] at [[Henderson, Western Australia]]. The first vessel, {{HMAS|Armidale|ACPB 83|6}}, was commissioned into the RAN in June 2005, and the last, {{HMAS|Glenelg|ACPB 96|6}}, entered service in February 2008. The ''Armidale''-class ships are operated by the [[Australian Patrol Boat Group]], and based in [[HMAS Cairns (naval base)|Cairns]] and [[HMAS Coonawarra|Darwin]]. They are primarily tasked with border protection, fisheries patrols, and the interception of [[unauthorised arrivals]] by sea. The ''Armidale''s are longer and heavier than their ''Fremantle''-class predecessors, with improved [[seakeeping]] ability and increased range, allowing them to reach [[States and territories of Australia|Australia's offshore territories]].

During their early service life, there were problems with the fuel systems across the class, and a 20-bunk auxiliary accommodation compartment has been banned from use after toxic fumes were found in the compartment on multiple occasions. The high operational tempo from the [[Operation Resolute]] and [[Operation Sovereign Borders]] border protection and [[asylum seeker]] interception operations, combined with design flaws and poor maintenance, resulted in the ships suffering from hull fracturing around the engineering spaces, mechanical defects, and corrosion issues. DMS's contract to provide in-service support was terminated in 2017, and the patrol boats underwent a major refit in Singapore to reinforce the hull. Two {{sclass2|Cape|patrol boat|2}}s have been chartered to supplement naval patrol boat availability during the refit cycle, and plans to replace the ''Armidale''s with an enlarged class of offshore combatant vessel have been accelerated to bring them into service by the early 2020s.

After extensive damage from an onboard fire, {{HMAS|Bundaberg|ACPB 91|6}} was decommissioned at the end of 2014. A fictional ''Armidale''-class boat, HMAS ''Hammersley'', appears in the Australian military drama series ''[[Sea Patrol]]'' from the second season onwards, with filming occurring aboard multiple ships of the class.

==Development and tendering==
Planning for the ''Armidale'' class began in 1993, as a plan to replace the {{sclass|Fremantle|patrol boat|4}}, which was due for retirement in 1998.<ref name=JanesKerr>Kerr, ''Plain sailing''</ref> This evolved into a joint program with Malaysia to construct an offshore patrol craft.<ref name=JanesKerr/> When Malaysia pulled out, the plan was scrapped, and the ''Fremantle''s underwent a life-extending refit.<ref name=HeronPowell129>Heron & Powell, in ''Australian Maritime Issues 2006'', p. 129</ref> The cost of maintaining the ageing vessels prompted the [[Department of Defence (Australia)|Department of Defence]] to create the Replacement Patrol Boat program, which received the procurement project designation SEA 1444.<ref name=HeronPowell129/>

SEA 1444 marked several departures from the department's standard acquisition requirements. Instead of specifying a number of vessels, the coverage of 3,000 ship-days per year (with 1,800 to be spent on border protection operations, and a [[wikt:surge|surge]] capability of 3,600 days) was given, with the producer to determine how many ships were needed to meet this.<ref name=HeronPowell129/><ref name=DT36/> The ships had to meet specific performance parameters, such as the ability to conduct boarding operations in conditions up to [[Sea State]]&nbsp;4, and to maintain surveillance capability up to Sea State&nbsp;5.<ref name=HeronPowell130>Heron & Powell, in ''Australian Maritime Issues 2006'', p. 130</ref> The producer was also required in the contract to provide support and maintenance for the ships, for fifteen years after construction completed.<ref name=HeronPowell130/>

Nine companies expressed interest in the project; of these, seven had the required capability to build the ships.<ref name=DT36>''Finalists await Patrol Boat decision'', in ''Defence Today'', p. 36</ref> These seven were narrowed down to three based on each tender's merit, competitiveness with the other tenders, and successful meeting of Australian industry involvement targets for both construction and long-term support.<ref name=DT36/> [[Austal]] and [[DMS Maritime|Defence Maritime Services]] (DMS) partnered to offer twelve ships based on an expanded version of the latter's {{sclass2|Bay|patrol boat|2}}, in use with the [[Australian Customs Service]].<ref name=JanesKerr/> The companies submitted two proposals for a {{convert|56|m|ft|adj=on}} vessel, one with a steel hull, and one with an aluminium hull; the latter offering a 21% reduction in fuel consumption.<ref name=DT38>''Finalists await Patrol Boat decision'', in ''Defence Today'', p. 38</ref> [[Thales Australia|Australian Defence Industries]] (ADI) tendered a design based on the [[Royal Danish Navy]]'s {{sclass|Flyvefisken|patrol vessel|2}}.<ref name=DT40>''Finalists await Patrol Boat decision'', in ''Defence Today'', p. 40</ref> The vessel was to be built with a [[glass-reinforced plastic]] hull, similar to ADI's {{sclass|Huon|minehunter}}s.<ref name=DT40/> The [[Tenix]] proposal was a variant of a {{convert|56|m|ft|adj=on}} search and rescue vessel constructed for the [[Philippine Coast Guard]].<ref name=DT40/> The tender was awarded to the Austal/DMS partnership in December 2003.<ref name=JanesKerr/><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20200501113227/https://www.asx.com.au/asxpdf/20030829/pdf/3hvgzk0k8d66j.pdfAustal Ships Announced as Prefered Tenderer for Royal Australian Navy Patrol Boats] Austral 29 August 2003</ref> The contract was valued at $553&nbsp;million, with each ship costing between $24&nbsp;million and $28&nbsp;million to construct.<ref name=JanesKerr/><ref name=theausdefrep>Kerr, ''Patrol boats shake down fuel faults''</ref>

During the [[2004 Australian federal election|2004 federal election]], the [[Second Howard Ministry|Howard government]] promised to acquire two more patrol boats to provide a dedicated patrol force for the [[North West Shelf Venture]] located off the north-west coast of Australia.<ref name=HeronPowell130/><ref name=Wertheim22>Wertheim (ed.), ''The Naval Institute Guide to Combat Fleets of the World'', p. 22</ref> These were ordered in 2005.<ref name=JanesKerr/> The order was placed in June 2006.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20060917013050/http://www.asx.com.au/asxpdf/20060630/pdf/3xct766672mf9.pdf Austal Receives Order for an Additional Two Royal Australian Navy Patrol Boats] Austal 30 June 2006</ref>

==Design and construction==
All fourteen boats were constructed by Austal at its shipyard in [[Henderson, Western Australia]].<ref name=IHS33>Saunders (ed.), ''IHS Jane's Fighting Ships 2012–2013'', p. 33</ref> Lead ship {{HMAS|Armidale|ACPB 83|6}} was [[Ship commissioning|commissioned]] into the RAN in June 2005.<ref name=IHS33/> Two other patrol boats were delivered to the RAN in 2005, six in 2006, and five in 2007, with the final ship in the class, {{HMAS|Glenelg|ACPB 96|6}}, delivered in October 2007 and commissioned in February 2008.<ref name=JanesKerr/> At one stage, six vessels were being constructed simultaneously.<ref name=JanesKerr/>

[[File:HMAS Armidale Darling Harbour.jpg|thumb|left|HMAS ''Armidale'', lead ship of the class, at [[Darling Harbour]] in January 2008]]
Each patrol boat has a length of {{convert|56.8|m|ft}}, a [[Beam (nautical)|beam]] of {{convert|9.7|m|ft}}, a [[Draft (hull)|draught]] of {{convert|2.7|m|ft}}, and a standard [[Displacement (ship)|displacement]] of 300&nbsp;tons.<ref name=IHS33/> The hull is of the semi-displacement vee type, and is fabricated from aluminum alloy.<ref name=JanesKerr/> The ship is designed to a combination of [[Det Norske Veritas]] standards for high-speed light craft and RAN requirements: much effort went into avoiding attempts to [[overengineer]] the ''Armidale''s or turn them into 'miniature warships'.<ref name=JanesKerr/>

The ''Armidale''s can travel at a maximum speed of {{convert|25|kn|lk=in}}, and are driven by two [[propeller]] shafts, each connected to an [[MTU Friedrichshafen|MTU]] 4000 16V diesel engine, providing {{convert|6225|hp|lk=in}}.<ref name=IHS33/> The ships have a range of {{convert|3000|nmi|lk=in}} at {{convert|12|kn}}, allowing them to patrol the waters around the distant [[States and territories of Australia|territories of Australia]], including the [[Cocos (Keeling) Islands]] and [[Christmas Island]].<ref name=JanesKerr/> The ''Armidale'' class has demonstrated an improved seakeeping ability over the preceding ''Fremantle'' class: the ''Armidale''s are {{convert|15|m|ft}} longer, 85&nbsp;tons heavier, and have hydraulic stabiliser fins and [[trim tab]]s incorporated into the design, allowing them to survive conditions up to Sea State&nbsp;9.<ref name=JanesKerr/> The vessels are designed for standard patrols of 21 days, with a maximum endurance of 42 days.<ref name=JanesKerr/><ref name=Wertheim22/>

===Weapons and systems===
[[File:Armidale main gun.jpg|thumb|right|The main gun aboard HMAS ''Armidale'']]
The main armament of the ''Armidale'' class is a [[Typhoon Weapon System|Rafael Typhoon stabilised {{convert|25|mm|in|adj=on}} gun mount]] fitted with an [[M242 Bushmaster]] autocannon.<ref name=Wertheim22/> This cannon has a [[rate of fire]] of 200 rounds per minute, and is controlled remotely from the [[Bridge (nautical)|bridge]].<ref name=HeronPowell132/> Two {{convert|12.7|mm|in|adj=on}} machine guns are also carried.<ref name=HeronPowell132>Heron & Powell, in ''Australian Maritime Issues 2006'', p. 132</ref>

Boarding operations are performed by two {{convert|7.2|m|ft|adj=on}}, waterjet propelled [[rigid-hulled inflatable boat]]s (RHIB), which carry ten people (a fully equipped, eight-strong boarding party, and two boat crew).<ref name=JanesKerr/> The RHIBs are larger and more powerful than the single RHIB aboard a ''Fremantle'', are capable of operating independently of their mothership, and carry their own communications, navigation, and safety equipment.<ref name=JanesKerr/><ref name=HeronPowell131>Heron & Powell, in ''Australian Maritime Issues 2006'', p. 131</ref> Each RHIB has a dedicated cradle and [[davit]], the boats can be launched and recovered easily, and a centralised 'dressing room' incorporated into the ship's design has streamlined the deployment and return of personnel.<ref name=JanesKerr/>

The patrol boats are fitted with a Bridgemaster E surface search and navigational radar, a Toplite electro-optical detection system, and a Warrlock<!-- "RR" correct --> direction finding system.<ref name=JanesKerr/><ref name=IHS33/><ref name=HeronPowell131/> A Prism III radar warning system was fitted to the last two boats during construction, and retro-fitted to the rest.<ref name=JanesKerr/> Tenders for a [[Unmanned aerial vehicle|Naval Unmanned Aerial System]] (NUAS) capability for the ''Armidale'' class were requested in mid-2014.<ref>Australian Aviation, ''DMO releases UAS tender''</ref>

===Complement===
Each patrol boat has a standard ship's company of 21 personnel, with a maximum of 29 (not including use of the austere compartment).<ref name=JanesKerr/><ref name=Wertheim22/> Unlike the ''Fremantle''-class patrol boats, the ''Armidale''s do not have a permanently assigned ship's company.<ref name=JanesKerr/> Instead, there are 21 crews established for the 14 ''Armidale''-class patrol boats, which are divided up into four divisions: ''Attack'', ''Assail'', ''Ardent'', and ''Aware''.<ref name=theausdefrep/> The first three of the Divisions are assigned six crews for four ships, while ''Aware'' has three crews for two ships.<ref name=JanesKerr/> The ships are continually manned, with two out of three crews actively deployed while the third undergoes leave or training, or prepares to transfer into a ship: a handover can be accomplished in less than six hours.<ref name=JanesKerr/> The intention of multi-crewing is to allow the ships to spend more time at sea, without compromising sailors' rest time or training requirements.<ref name=theausdefrep/>

[[File:RAN-IFR 2013 D2 116.JPG|thumb|left|HMAS ''Bundaberg'' entering [[Port Jackson|Sydney Harbour]] in October 2013]]
Junior sailors are housed in four-berth cabins, as opposed to the central sixteen-berth [[mess|mess deck]] of the ''Fremantle''s, while senior sailors and commissioned officers either have individual or share two-berth cabins.<ref name=JanesKerr/> Personnel have access to e-mail and satellite television, and the galley is better equipped than that on a ''Fremantle''-class vessel and better suited to use in heavy seas.<ref name=JanesKerr/> The comfort of personnel is also significantly improved over the ''Fremantle''s, with air conditioning throughout the entire ship (excluding engine and machinery compartments).<ref name=JanesKerr/>

===Problems===
The introduction of the class into service has not been without problems. Since June 2005, all active ''Armidale''s have undergone operating restrictions on two occasions, both due to water contamination of the main fuel systems.<ref name=theausdefrep/> The first occurrence, in September 2006, led to the suspension of operations by the patrol boats for a month, and the engineering controls were redesigned.<ref name=JanesKerr/> The problem occurred again in January 2007, and led to an 'operational pause' while Austal redesigned the fuel system, engineering procedures were altered, and fuel quality criteria were tightened.<ref name=JanesKerr/> The five ships yet to be completed were fitted with the modified fuel system during construction, while the active ships were refitted over the course of 2007.<ref name=JanesKerr/> As of December 2007, no further fuel problems have occurred.<ref name=JanesKerr/>

A 20-berth auxiliary accommodation compartment (the 'austere' compartment) was included in the design, for the transportation of soldiers, illegal fishermen, or unauthorised arrivals; in the latter two cases, the compartment could be secured from the outside.<ref name=Mckenna10>McKenna, ''Gas risk remains for navy boats''</ref> However, a malfunction in the sewage treatment facilities aboard {{HMAS|Maitland|ACPB 88|6}} in August 2006 pumped [[hydrogen sulphide]] and [[carbon monoxide]] into the compartment, non-fatally poisoning four sailors working inside<ref name=theausdefrep/><ref name=Mckenna10/> resulting in use of the compartment as accommodation being heavily restricted across the class.<ref name=theausdefrep/><ref name=McPhedranOverwork>McPhedran, ''The navy's patrol boat fleet is over worked and under maintained according to a new report''</ref> In 2010, allegations were made to ''[[The Australian]]'' that a sailor working in the austere compartment on a different vessel had been gassed with hydrogen sulphide, and carbon monoxide was regularly detected in the enclosed space.<ref name=Mckenna10/> Following publication of the allegations, Chief of Navy [[Russ Crane]] claimed that there was no record of the alleged gassing incident, and while there were ongoing incidents of poisonous gasses detected in the compartment, the sensors were set to trigger well below dangerous levels, and modifications were being made to the sewerage and ventilation systems.<ref>Crane, ''Gas Risk Remains for Navy Boats – A Response from the Chief of the Navy''</ref>

In 2014, the navy reported the recurrence of hull cracking around the engine spaces, which has been attributed to a combination of design issues related to the aluminium hull, and the high tempo of operations.<ref name=McPhedranLease>McPhedran, ''The $3 million cost of Navy’s decision to lease patrol boats for border protection''</ref> By 2015, several patrol boats were confined to port because of structural, mechanical, and corrosion issues.<ref name=McPhedranLease/> In response, the Department of Defence threatened to cancel DMS' maintenance contract based on the company's poor performance in maintaining the ''Armidale'''s (but did not go ahead due to the political repercussions from potentially losing local jobs).<ref name=McPhedranLease/> Defence and [[Serco]] (the parent company of DMS) later agreed to end the contract in 2017, with the Australian government to tender for a new in-service support contract during 2016.<ref name=Stewart45m>Stewart, ''Navy patrol boat repairs blow out by $45m''</ref> The patrol boat fleet began a mid-life refit program in October 2015, in order to extend hull life until a [[#Replacement|replacement class]] of larger vessels enters service from 2022.<ref name=Stewart45m/> The patrol boats were refitted two at a time in Singapore, with the RAN chartering the {{sclass2|Cape|patrol boat|2}}<nowiki/>s ''Cape Byron'' and ''Cape Nelson'' from mid-2015 until the end of 2016 to supplement naval patrol boat availability.<ref name=McPhedranLease/><ref name=Stewart45m/> During work on the first two patrol boats, the estimated cost of work-per-vessel doubled to A$7 million.<ref name=Stewart45m/>

==Operational history==
[[File:Bow view of HMAS Albany.jpg|thumb|upright|HMAS ''Albany'' operating in the Timor Sea during 2012]]
The ''Armidale''-class ships are operated by the [[Australian Patrol Boat Group]] and are primarily tasked with border protection and fisheries patrols.<ref name=theausdefrep/> Multiple ''Armidale''-class boats are assigned to patrols of Australian waters at any given time as part of [[Operation Resolute]] (and later [[Operation Sovereign Borders]]{{citation needed|date=October 2015}}), with an ability to surge further vessels when required.<ref>Australian Department of Defence, ''Operation RESOLUTE''</ref>

On introduction of the ''Armidale'' class, the Australian Patrol Boat Group was reorganised into four divisions, named after ''Attack'' class ships:

* 1st/''Attack'' Division ([[HMAS Coonawarra|HMAS ''Coonawarra'']], [[Darwin, Northern Territory|Darwin]])
** Six Armidale Class patrol boat crews (Attack 1–6)
* 2nd/''Assail'' Division (HMAS ''Coonawarra'')
** Six Armidale Class patrol boat crews (Assail 1–6)
* 3rd/''Ardent'' Division ([[HMAS Cairns (naval base)|HMAS ''Cairns'']], [[Cairns]])
** ''Six Armidale Class patrol boat crews (Ardent 1–6)''
* 4th/''Aware'' Division ([[Dampier, Western Australia]])
** ''Three Armidale Class patrol boat crews (Aware 1–3) (based in Darwin)''

The Patrol Boat force has subsequently been reorganised to allocate a single crew to each platform.

At the start of 2014, the long transit differences and near-constant deployment of the patrol boats for Operation Resolute was impacting on the ability to keep the vessels properly maintained.<ref name=McPhedranOverwork/>

In August 2014, a fire broke out aboard {{HMAS|Bundaberg|ACPB 91|2}} while undergoing refit work at a civilian shipyard in [[Hemmant, Queensland]].<ref name=DoDpr12Aug>Department of Defence, ''Defence update on HMAS Bundaberg fire'' (press release)</ref><ref name=Radulova>Radulova, ''Fire! Navy patrol boat HMAS Bundaberg engulfed in flames during maintenance work in a Brisbane dry dock''</ref> The patrol boat was damaged beyond repair and was decommissioned on 18 December.<ref name=Staples18Dec>Staples, ''HMAS Bundaberg decommissioned''</ref>

In November 2017 the RAN began deploying ''Armidale''-class patrol boats to the Philippines. The boats have been used to conduct counter-terrorism patrols in the [[Sulu Sea]] with the [[Philippine Navy]].<ref>{{cite web|last1=Graham|first1=Euan|title=Australian warships challenged in South China Sea|url=https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/australian-navy-challenged-south-china-sea|website=The Interpreter|publisher=Lowy Institute|access-date=29 April 2018|archive-date=30 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210430005518/https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/australian-navy-challenged-south-china-sea|url-status=dead}}</ref>

==Fleet list==
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders"
|+
|-
! scope="col" | Ship
!Pennant 
!Homeport
! scope="col" | Commissioning date<ref name=IHS33/>
! scope="col" | Commissioning location
! scope="col" | Decommissioned
|-
!colspan=6 | {{navy|Australia}}
|-
| scope="row" | {{HMAS|Armidale|ACPB 83|2}}
|P83
|HMAS Coonawarra, Darwin
| 24 June 2005 || Darwin
|30 March 2023<ref>{{cite web |title=Farewell to the first of its class |url=https://www.defence.gov.au/news-events/news/2023-04-04/farewell-first-its-class |website=Media release |publisher=Department of Defence |access-date=4 April 2023 |date=4 April 2023}}</ref>
|-
| scope="row" | {{HMAS|Larrakia|ACPB 84|2}}
|P84
|HMAS Coonawarra, Darwin
| 10 February 2006 || Darwin || 28 September 2023<ref>{{Cite web |title=Decommissioning of HMAS Maryborough and HMAS Larrakia |url=https://www.navy.gov.au/event/decommissioning-hmas-maryborough-and-hmas-larrakia}}</ref>
|-
| scope="row" | {{HMAS|Bathurst|ACPB 85|2}}
|P85
|HMAS Coonawarra, Darwin
| 10 February 2006 || Darwin || {{n/a}}
|-
| scope="row" | {{HMAS|Albany|ACPB 86|2}}
|P86
|HMAS Coonawarra, Darwin
| 15 July 2006 || [[Albany, Western Australia|Albany]] || {{n/a}}
|-
|{{HMAS|Pirie|ACPB 87|2}}
|P87
|HMAS Coonawarra, Darwin
|29 July 2006
|[[Port Pirie]]
|26 March 2021<ref>{{Cite web |title=HMAS Pirie (II) |url=https://www.navy.gov.au/hmas-pirie-ii}}</ref>
|-
|{{HMAS|Maitland|ACPB 88|2}}
|P88
|HMAS Coonawarra, Darwin
|29 September 2006
|[[Newcastle, New South Wales|Newcastle]]
|28 April 2022
|-
|{{HMAS|Ararat|ACPB 89|2}}
|P89
|HMAS Coonawarra, Darwin
|10 November 2006
|[[Melbourne]]
|2 July 2022<ref>{{cite web |title=HMAS Ararat decommissions in Darwin |url=https://news.defence.gov.au/media/media-releases/hmas-ararat-decommissions-darwin |website=Media release |publisher=Department of Defence |access-date=2 July 2022 |date=2 July 2022}}</ref>
|-
|{{HMAS|Broome|ACPB 90|2}}
|P90
|HMAS Coonawarra, Darwin
|10 February 2007
|[[Broome, Western Australia|Broome]]
|29 August 2024<ref>{{cite news |title=August retirement: HMAS Broome (II) makes final journey before decommissioning |url=https://www.defenceconnect.com.au/naval/14581-august-retirement-hmas-broome-ii-makes-final-journey-before-decommissioning |access-date=29 August 2024 |publisher=Defence Connect |date=16 August 2024}}</ref>
|-
|{{HMAS|Bundaberg|ACPB 91|2}}
|P91
|HMAS Cairns, Cairns
|3 March 2007
|[[Bundaberg]]
|18 December 2014
|-
|{{HMAS|Wollongong|ACPB 92|2}}
|P92
|HMAS Cairns, Cairns 
|23 June 2007
|[[Sydney]]
|8 December 2022
|-
|{{HMAS|Childers|ACPB 93|2}}
|P93
|HMAS Coonawarra, Darwin
|7 July 2007
|[[Cairns]]|| {{n/a}}
|-
|{{HMAS|Launceston|ACPB 94|2}}
|P94
|HMAS Coonawarra, Darwin
|22 September 2007
|[[Launceston, Tasmania|Launceston]]
|1 June 2023<ref>{{Cite news |last=Leslie |first=André |date=2023-05-25 |title=After a long and storied history, the name HMAS Launceston is set to disappear from the navy — for now, at least |language=en-AU |work=ABC News |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-05-26/naval-ship-hmas-launceston-decommissioned/102386188 |access-date=2023-06-03}}</ref>
|-
|{{HMAS|Maryborough|ACPB 95|2}}
|P95
|HMAS Coonawarra, Darwin
|8 December 2007
|[[Brisbane]]|| 28 September 2023<ref>{{Cite web |title=Decommissioning of HMAS Maryborough and HMAS Larrakia |url=https://www.navy.gov.au/event/decommissioning-hmas-maryborough-and-hmas-larrakia}}</ref>
|-
|{{HMAS|Glenelg|ACPB 96|2}}
|P96
|HMAS Coonawarra, Darwin
|22 February 2008
|[[Adelaide]]
|7 October 2022
|-
! colspan=6 | [[Australian Defence Organisation]]
|-
| [[HMAS Maitland (ACPB 88)|''Sentinel'']]
| {{n/a}}
| Henderson, Western Australia
| 6 October 2022
| [[Henderson, Western Australia|Henderson]]
| 17 February 2025
|}

==Appearances in fiction==
{{expand section|Ships used for filming of seasons 3–5 of Sea Patrol|date=March 2015}}
[[File:HMAS Broome (ACPB 90) Darwin Harbour.JPG|thumb|right|{{HMAS|Broome|ACPB 90|6}} underway in 2010. During 2008, ''Broome'' was used to represent the fictional HMAS ''Hammersley'']]
From the second season onwards of ''[[Sea Patrol]]'', an Australian military drama series, the fictional ''Armidale''-class patrol boat HMAS ''Hammersley'' ([[pennant number]] 82) is used as the main setting.<ref name=shipshapep2>Idato, ''All ship shape''</ref> In 2008, two ships were [[wikt:conflate|conflated]] to represent ''Hammersley'': 42 of the 86 days of filming were spent aboard {{HMAS|Broome|ACPB 90|6}}, with later [[Pick-up (filmmaking)|pick-up filming]] aboard {{HMAS|Launceston|ACPB 94|6}}.<ref name=shipshapep2/>

==Replacement==
{{Further|Arafura-class offshore patrol vessel}}
''[[Defending Australia in the Asia Pacific Century: Force 2030]]'', the 2009 Department of Defence [[white paper]], proposed replacing the ''Armidale''s, along with the RAN's mine warfare and hydrographic vessels, with a single class of multi-role [[Planned Australian offshore combatant vessel|offshore combatant vessels]] (OCVs).<ref name=whitepaper>Department of Defence, ''Defending Australia in the Asia Pacific Century''</ref><ref name=Semaphore>Sea Power Centre, ''Australian Offshore Combatant Vessels''</ref> These vessels, with a theoretical maximum [[displacement (ship)|displacement]] up to 2,000 tonnes, would use a [[modular mission payload system]] to change between roles as required, and would be equipped for helicopter or [[unmanned aerial vehicle]] operations.<ref name=whitepaper/><ref name=Semaphore/><ref>Thornton, ''The Rationale for the RAN Offshore Combatant Vessel''</ref><ref name=Boe31>Boettger, ''The Offshore Combatant Vessel''</ref> The 2013 white paper postponed the multi-role OCV as a long-term project.<ref name=2013WP>Department of Defence, ''Defence White Paper 2013''</ref>

The 2013 white paper proposed that an existing OCV design be sourced as a short-term replacement for the ''Armidale'' class.<ref name=2013WP/> Procurement project SEA 1179 is undertaking several studies towards the replacement of the ''Armidale''s.<ref>Defence Science and Technology Organisation, ''Patrol boat replacement''</ref> In April 2016, the Lürssen OPV80A design was selected to replace the ''Armidale'' class ships. The replacement OPVs will be larger and provide improved seakeeping and endurance.<ref name=MeadOnTrack>Mead, ''On track to deliver even more''</ref> Construction started in 2018, with entry into service planned from 2022.<ref name=MeadOnTrack/><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://navalnews.net/construction-of-3rd-arafura-class-opv-begins-for-australian-navy/|title=Construction of 3rd Arafura-class OPV begins for Australian Navy – Naval Post|date=8 April 2020|access-date=6 June 2020|archive-date=16 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210116151820/https://navalnews.net/construction-of-3rd-arafura-class-opv-begins-for-australian-navy/|url-status=dead}}</ref> A hull remediation program was implemented to extend the lifespans of the patrol boats to this point.<ref name=McPhedranLease/> In 2020, the RAN decided to acquire six evolved {{sclass|Cape|patrol boat|4}} patrol boats instead of performing a full life of type extension (LOTE) on six ''Armidale'' class boats.<ref>{{cite press release |author1=Minister for Defence Linda Reynolds |author2=Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price |title=New patrol boats to boost Navy capability |url=https://www.minister.defence.gov.au/minister/melissa-price/media-releases/new-patrol-boats-boost-navy-capability|website=Department of Defence Ministers |access-date=17 September 2022 |date=1 May 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author1=Australian National Audit Office |title=Department of Defence’s Procurement of Six Evolved Cape Class Patrol Boats |date=2021 |publisher=The Auditor-General |location=Canberra |isbn=9781760337001|url=https://www.anao.gov.au/sites/default/files/Auditor-General_Report_2021-22_15.pdf |access-date=20 March 2023|series=ANAO Report No.15 2021–22 |pages=14-15}}</ref>

==Citations==
{{Reflist}}

==References==

'''Books'''
*{{cite book |author=Department of Defence |title=[[Defending Australia in the Asia Pacific Century: Force 2030]] |publisher=Commonwealth of Australia |date=2 May 2009 |isbn=978-0-642-29702-0 |oclc=426475923 |pages=72–3}}
*{{cite book |author=Department of Defence |title=Defence White Paper 2013 |publisher=Commonwealth of Australia |date=3 May 2013 |isbn=978-0-9874958-0-8 |page=84}}
*{{Cite book|last=Heron |first=Wesley |author2=Powell, Anthony |title=Australian Maritime Issues 2006 |editor=Forbes, Andrew |editor2=Lovi, Michelle |publisher=Sea Power Centre – Australia |year=2007 |series=Papers in Australian Maritime Affairs |issue=19 |issn=1327-5658 |pages=129–134 |chapter=Welcome to the Armidale Class |isbn=978-0-642-29644-3 |url=http://www.navy.gov.au/w/images/PIAMA19.pdf |access-date=12 May 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110613185344/http://www.navy.gov.au/w/images/PIAMA19.pdf |archive-date=13 June 2011 }}
** The chapter is available separately as ''Semaphore'', Issue 4, 2006 in [https://web.archive.org/web/20110320184824/http://www.navy.gov.au/w/images/Semaphore_2006_4.pdf PDF] and [https://web.archive.org/web/20100821172124/http://www.navy.gov.au/Publication:Semaphore_-_Issue_4,_2006 HTML] formats.
*{{cite book |title=IHS Jane's Fighting Ships 2012–2013 |editor=Saunders, Stephen |publisher=IHS Jane's |location=Coulsdon |year=2012 |series=[[Jane's Fighting Ships]] |isbn=9780710630087 |oclc=793688752}}
*{{Cite book |title=The Naval Institute Guide to Combat Fleets of the World: Their Ships, Aircraft, and Systems |editor=Wertheim, Eric |publisher=Naval Institute Press |location=Annapolis, MD |year=2007 |edition=15th |isbn=978-1-59114-955-2 |oclc=140283156 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=TJunjRvplU4C}}

'''Journal and news articles'''
*{{cite journal |last=Boettger |first=Daniel |date=December 2009 |title=The Offshore Combatant Vessel: Future Flexibility |journal=Headmark |publisher=Australian Naval Institute |issue=134 |issn=1833-6531 |page=31}}
*{{cite news |title=DMO releases UAS tender|url=http://australianaviation.com.au/2014/05/dmo-releases-uas-tender/|access-date=16 September 2014|newspaper=Australian Aviation|date=30 May 2014}}
*{{Cite journal |date=February 2003|title=Finalist await Patrol Boat decision |journal=Defence Today |volume=2 |issue=1 |pages=36–40 |issn=1447-0446}}
*{{Cite news |last=Idato |first=Michael |title=All ship shape |url=http://www.smh.com.au/news/tv--radio/all-ship-shape/2008/03/29/1206207482199.html?page=2 |work=SydneyMorningHerald.com.au, Entertainment (TV and Radio) section |page=2 |date=31 March 2008 |access-date=10 April 2008}}
*{{Cite news |last=Kerr |first=Julian |title=Plain sailing: Australia's Armidales prove fit for task |work=Jane's Navy International |publisher=[[Jane's Information Group]] |date=1 January 2008}}
*{{Cite news |last=Kerr |first=Julian |title=Patrol boats shake down fuel faults |work=[[The Australian]]: Defence Special Report |page=8 |date=8 December 2007}}
*{{Cite news |last=McKenna |first=Michael |url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/nation/gas-risk-remains-for-navy-boats/story-e6frg6nf-1225815368349 |title=Gas risk remains for navy boats |date=2 January 2010 |work=The Australian |access-date=9 January 2016}}
*{{cite news |last=McPhedran |first=Ian |author-link=Ian McPhedran|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/national/the-navys-patrol-boat-fleet-is-over-worked-and-under-maintained-according-to-a-new-report/story-fni0xqrb-1226794610065 |title=The navy's patrol boat fleet is over worked and under maintained according to a new report |date=4 January 2014 |work=Herald Sun |access-date=9 January 2016}}
*{{cite news |last=McPhedran |first=Ian |author-link=Ian McPhedran|url=http://www.news.com.au/national/the-3-million-cost-of-navys-decision-to-lease-patrol-boats-for-border-protection/story-fncynjr2-1227563727636 |title=The $3 million cost of Navy's decision to lease patrol boats for border protection |date=9 October 2015 |publisher=News.com.au |access-date=19 October 2015}}
*{{cite news |last=Mead |first=Jonathan |url=http://navynews.realviewdigital.com/?iid=127437#folio=2 |title=On track to deliver even more |date=10 September 2015 |work=Navy News |access-date=7 September 2015}}
*{{cite journal|date=May 2010 |title=Australian Offshore Combatant Vessels |journal=Semaphore |publisher=Sea Power Centre – Australia |volume=2010 |issue=4 |url=http://www.navy.gov.au/w/images/Semaphore_2010_4.pdf |access-date=13 August 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110320183418/http://www.navy.gov.au/w/images/Semaphore_2010_4.pdf |archive-date=20 March 2011 }}
*{{cite news |last=Staples |first=Natalie |title=HMAS Bundaberg decommissioned |url=http://news.navy.gov.au/en/Dec2014/Fleet/1682 |date=19 December 2014 |access-date=19 December 2014 |work=Navy Daily |publisher=Royal Australian Navy |archive-date=31 December 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141231233948/http://news.navy.gov.au/en/Dec2014/Fleet/1682 |url-status=dead }}
*{{cite news |last=Stewart |first=Cameron |url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/defence/navy-patrol-boat-repairs-blow-out-by-45m/news-story/4d46bf79263096118475982d1f873b8d |title=Navy patrol boat repairs blow out by $45m |date=6 January 2016 |work=The Australian |access-date=9 January 2016}}
*{{cite journal|last=Thornton |first=Sean |date=January 2010 |title=The Rationale for the RAN Offshore Combatant Vessel |journal=The Navy |publisher=[[Navy League of Australia]] |volume=72 |issue=1 |pages=6–10 |issn=1322-6231}}

'''Press releases'''
*{{cite press release |date=12 August 2014 |title=Defence update on HMAS Bundaberg fire |url=http://news.defence.gov.au/2014/08/12/defence-update-on-hmas-bundaberg-fire/ |type=Press release |location=Canberra, ACT |publisher=Department of Defence |access-date=12 August 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140812203537/http://news.defence.gov.au/2014/08/12/defence-update-on-hmas-bundaberg-fire/ |archive-date=12 August 2014 |url-status=dead }}

'''Websites'''
*{{Cite web|url=http://www.defence.gov.au/opEx/global/opresolute/index.htm |title=Operation RESOLUTE |work=Global Operations |publisher=Australian Department of Defence |access-date=9 January 2016 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20091012153722/http://www.defence.gov.au/opEx/global/opresolute/index.htm |archive-date= 12 October 2009}}
*{{cite web |url=http://www.dsto.defence.gov.au/projects/patrol-boat-replacement |title=Patrol boat replacement |date=25 June 2014 |publisher=Defence Science and Technology Organisation |access-date=7 March 2015}}
*{{cite web |date=2 January 2010 |title=Gas Risk Remains for Navy Boats – A Response from the Chief of the Navy |url=http://navyleague.org.au/gas-risk-remains-for-navy-boats-a-response-from-the-chief-of-the-navy/ |last=Crane |first=Russ |publisher=Navy League of Australia |access-date=9 January 2016}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Armidale class patrol boats}}
* [http://www.navy.gov.au/fleet/ships-boats-craft/pb Patrol Boat (PB)] – Royal Australian Navy webpage for the ''Armidale'' class
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20060211085740/http://www.austal.com/index.cfm?objectID=696021DA-A0CC-3C8C-D939D60FAC0C3C2E Delivery Royal Australian Navy 56m] – Austal Ships webpage for the ''Armidale'' class
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20070926231502/http://www.anao.gov.au/uploads/documents/2004-05_Audit_Report_29.pdf The Armidale Class Patrol Boat Project: Project Management] – Australian National Audit Office report on the acquisition of the class
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20091029050522/http://www.minister.defence.gov.au/Hilltpl.cfm?CurrentId=3094 New patrol boats named after regional cities] – Department of Defence press release detailing the meaning behind the names of the first 12 ''Armidale''s

{{Portal bar|Australia|Royal Australian Navy}}
{{Royal Australian Navy}}
{{Armidale class patrol boat}}

[[Category:Armidale-class patrol boats| ]]
[[Category:Patrol boat classes]]