The concept for the Fremantle class began somewhere between 1967 and 1969, as the Attack-class patrol boats entered service, and areas for improvement were observed.

[1] In September 1970, the RAN announced the intention to construct ten new patrol boats, which would operate in tandem with the Attack class and replace two general purpose vessels.

[2] Plans of acquisition were announced in April 1975, with eleven shipbuilders submitting tenders, of which two were shortlisted in 1976; Brooke Marine of England and Lürssen Werft of West Germany.

[2][3] There was a separate acquisition plan for six missile-armed variants, but this was suspended due to the lack of available funding, and the belief that such ships could be constructed on short notice if required.

These were later removed as they proved inefficient when compared to the two main engines[4] Exhaust was not expelled through a funnel, like most ships, but through vents below the waterline.

[6] During sea trials, Fremantle received distinction for locating and rescuing a British sailor thrown from a commercial trawler following its collision with an oil tender.

[3] The first ship of the class, HMAS Fremantle, arrived in Australia on 27 August 1980, after an 82-day voyage covering 14,509 nautical miles (26,871 km; 16,697 mi).

[11] Also by 1984, all of the Attack class had left active service, with many transferring to the RAN Reserve or the Indonesian Navy.

[13] A total of 11 of the class were dismantled at Darwin, although the MTU engines were salvaged and sold on market, and some high value item were also saved.

[13][15] The fictional HMAS Defiance, portrayed by HMA Ships Launceston, Townsville, Warrnambool, Whyalla, and Wollongong featured in the second season of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation television series Patrol Boat.

[16] The fictional HMAS Hammersley is the setting of the first season of Channel Nine's 2007 drama series Sea Patrol.