The first two of four 69.5-ft aluminium patrol boats for the Armed Forces of Malta (AFM) have been launched at Austal’s Western Australian facilities – less than seven months from initial contract signing. Launch of the remaining two aluminium vessels will occur in coming weeks, with the four-vessel fleet on schedule for delivery in November. With a speed of more than 26 knots, the vessels are designed to assist the AFM with surveillance and border protection throughout Malta’s coastal waters.