A new $2 billion Pacific Patrol Boat (PPB) Program unveiled today by
Foreign Minister Julie Bishop and Defence Minister David Johnston aims
to significantly strengthen security in our region. “The Pacific
Patrol Boat Program is an important pillar of the Australian Government’s
commitment to working with our regional partners to enable cohesive
security cooperation on maritime surveillance, including in fisheries
protection and transnational crime,” Minister Bishop said. |
“Defence
will replace the current fleet of patrol boats for all current PPB members
with the addition of a new member, Timor-Leste (East Timor), which has
been invited to join the program, evidence of Australia’s growing
defence cooperation program with that country,” said Senator Johnston.
“The current fleet of 22 patrol boats gifted to 12 Pacific Island
countries from 1987 to 1997 are now approaching their end of service
life.
“This new program will involve the construction of more than 20
steel, all-purpose patrol vessels that will considerably enhance the
maritime security of our Pacific and regional partners,” he said,
adding: “Australia has a fundamental strategic interest in the
security and stability of Pacific island nations.”
Senator Johnston said the rugged Australian-made patrol boats are worth
$594 million with through life sustainment and personnel costs estimated
at $1.38 billion over 30 years.
In the coming months discussions will be held with PPB states on the
individual allocation of patrol vessels.
Replacement patrol boats will be offered to all current participating
states including Papua New Guinea, Tonga, Solomon Islands, Fiji, Tuvalu,
Kiribati, Samoa, Vanuatu, Federated States of Micronesia, Palau, Republic
of Marshall Islands, Cook Islands and new member Timor-Leste.
Under the program, Defence will undertake an open tender for the procurement
which includes an option for ongoing sustainment and crew training.
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