In December 2003, the Australian Ministry of Defence awarded the prime contract to Defence Maritime Services (DMS) for the supply and support of 12 Armidale Class patrol boats.

The Australian Government subsequently ordered two additional Armidale vessels in June 2006. The patrol boats replace the 15 Freemantle Class large patrol vessels that entered service between 1980 and 1984 and are approaching the end of their operational life.

The patron of a long-running effort to find the wreck of the Australian World War II warship HMAS Sydney, claims that the ship has been found, and needs to be verified as soon as possible.