Rohde & Schwarz Australia to provide NAVICS for the first two Austal-built Australian Border Force (ABF) Evolved Cape Class Patrol Boats.
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Press Release, Sydney, 07 October 2025: Rohde & Schwarz Australia and Austal Ships have entered into a definitive agreement for the delivery, installation, acceptance testing, and transition into service of Rohde & Schwarz’ NAVICS integrated communications systems for the first two Australian Border Force (ABF) Evolved Cape Class Patrol Boats (ECCPB). The new boats are being built at Austal’s Henderson shipyard in Western Australia and will provide enhanced frontline capability to the ABF.
“This agreement represents a continuation of our enduring collaboration with Austal on the Evolved Capes, which has seen the delivery of eight NAVICS-equipped patrol boats to the Royal Australian Navy, with the last vessel, ADV Cape Hawke, launched on 19 September 2025,” said Rohde & Schwarz Australia Head of Maritime Domain, Charles Nuttall-Smith.
“NAVICS will revolutionise the on-board communications capability for the ABF, implementing the most modern IP- based Multi-Level Security (MLS) architecture for their patrol vessels,” he added.
NAVICS is based on Rohde & Schwarz’ proprietary voice-over-IP communications switching architecture, which combines world-leading Rohde & Schwarz and key industry partner communications technologies in a secure, multi-domain system.
Managing Director Rohde & Schwarz Australia, Gareth Evans, emphasised the breadth of experience the company brings to the table. “Rohde & Schwarz Australia’s continuing role as the communications system integrator (CSI) on the ECCPB, as well as our CSI role on the Hunter Class Frigate Programme underpins the significant uplift in our enduring sovereign communications design and integration capability here in Australia,” he said. “The selection of Rohde & Schwarz Australia as CSI for the ABF is clear validation of the Commonwealth’s continued belief and investment in our capability.”
“During our 40 years here in Australia, we have established a sovereign CSI and service delivery capability of which we are rightfully proud. This has been demonstrated time and again through our delivery of highly capable systems to our customers in Australia and the region.”
Brent Carey, Head of Strategic Supply Chain at Austal Defence Australia said, “Our long-standing relationship with Rohde & Schwarz Australia continues to strengthen our ability to deliver advanced tactical navigation and communication capabilities. By leveraging their expertise and reliable solutions, we are able to provide our clients with confidence and performance. We look forward to building on this relationship and continuing our collaboration to deliver capability for Defence.”
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