Fiji will soon receive drone vessels from Australia to help detect suspected drug trafficking and illegal fishing activities in Fijian waters.
Speaking to the media after the launch of Fiji's Maritime Security Strategy 2026–2035, Australian High Commissioner to Fiji Peter Roberts says the Bluebottle vessels will help strengthen maritime surveillance.
Roberts says the 7.5-metre-long vessels use solar, wind and wave power and can remain at sea for up to six months while monitoring suspicious activity.
He says Fiji has already tested the technology through temporary deployments with New Zealand, with positive results.
Roberts says Australia will now provide Fiji with the vessels on a permanent basis to strengthen maritime security.
However, he says the number of vessels and their cost will not be disclosed for security reasons, as authorities want to maintain an element of surprise when dealing with illegal activities at sea.
He adds that Australia will work with Fiji to ensure the vessels are delivered as soon as possible, together with the necessary training and support.
Meanwhile, Minister for Defence and Veterans Affairs Pio Tikoduadua has thanked Australia for its continued support, saying no country can protect its oceans alone.
Tikoduadua says the vessels will belong to the Fijian Government and will not be used exclusively by the Fiji Navy.
He says information gathered by the vessels will also assist other law enforcement agencies in fighting crime and protecting Fiji's waters.
The Minister says the support is an important step towards keeping Fiji's oceans and communities safe.
Tikoduadua also thanked all partners who contributed to the launch of Fiji's Maritime Security Strategy, including the United Kingdom and the United Nations Development Programme.
Representatives from both organisations, Peter Thoman, Counsellor and Head of the UK Integrated Security Fund Pacific Programme, and Rustam Pulatov, Team Leader for Effective Governance at UNDP, also spoke at the launch.
