Tonga receives Guardian-class patrol boat from Australia

An example of a Guardian class patrol boat. Photo c/o Austal.

The Tongan Royal Navy formally received a Guardian-class patrol boat from the Australian government on 21 June 2019.

The boat, named Ngahau Koula, was received in Western Ausralia by His Royal Highness Crown Prince Tupouto'a Ulukalala.

It would replace one of the three Pacific-class patrol boats also granted by Australia almost 30 years ago.

The Guardian-class was granted as part of the Pacific Patrol Boat Replacement (SEA3036) project under the Pacific Maritime Security Program. 12 countries including the Kingdom of Tonga would receive a total of 21 patrol boats from Australia.

Papua New Guinea and Tuvalu each received a Guardian class patrol boat last year and this April, respectively.


[1]  Australian Department of Defence