The Fiji Navy is strengthening its maritime surveillance capabilities with the second phase of trials involving Uncrewed Surface Vessels in Fijian waters.
The Republic of Fiji Military Forces, through the Fiji Navy and in partnership with the Royal New Zealand Navy and New Zealand Defence Force, is conducting the proof-of-concept trials.
The Fiji Navy says the activity builds on the successful initial trials conducted in 2025 and provides further practical experience for naval personnel in understanding how uncrewed technology can complement existing maritime surveillance capabilities.
It says powered by renewable sources, including solar, wind and wave energy, these vessels can operate for extended periods without carrying personnel.
The Navy says their endurance and onboard sensors offer significant potential to support maritime domain awareness, fisheries and border surveillance, environmental monitoring and the protection of Fiji's extensive maritime domain.
It says the trials demonstrate the Duavata Partnership in action, an equal partnership grounded in trust, practical cooperation and a shared responsibility for a secure and resilient Blue Pacific.
The Duavata Partnership identifies defence cooperation, maritime security, border protection, capability development and responses to transnational threats as shared priorities for Fiji and New Zealand.
The Navy says the activity also supports the RFMF's Beyond 2022 modernisation efforts and the Fiji Navy's Headmark commitment to strengthen readiness, professional competence, innovation and technology-enabled maritime awareness.
It says that by carrying lessons from the 2025 trials into this second phase, both nations are demonstrating how trusted partnerships, professional development and emerging technology can deliver practical security outcomes for Fiji and the wider Pacific region.
