Rohde & Schwarz to provide NAVICS for Austal-built Australian Border Force Patrol Boats

Rohde & Schwarz to provide NAVICS for Austal-built Australian Border Force Patrol Boats The continued partnership between Rohde & Schwarz and Austal will see internal and external communication systems integrated on two new Evolved Cape Class Patrol Boats for the Australian Border Force

The Rohde & Schwarz team meets Austal's Supply Chain team in Henderson to discuss ongoing collaboration on the ECCPB Project, and the addition of two vessels now under construction for the ABF. (Image: Rohde & Schwarz)

Sydney, October 7, 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 Program 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.

Editor's note:

In June 2020, Rohde & Schwarz Australia was contracted by Austal to design, manufacture and deliver the NAVICS MLS system for 10 Royal Australian Navy ECCPBs. Since then, nine systems have been delivered, with a further pending in 2026.

In 2024, Rohde & Schwarz Australia was awarded a communications contract by BAE Systems Australia to deliver the world-leading NAVICS communications technology for the first three Hunter Class Frigates (Batch 1).

Rohde & Schwarz has provided more than 40 navies with its scalable, modular and customisable communications solutions.

Providing full Voice-Over-IP functionality, NAVICS enables easy interfacing with all IP-based subsystems, such as radios, broadcast and intercom systems.

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