The Republic of Fiji Navy is seeking more personnel, a landing craft and additional funding in the 2026/2027 National Budget to strengthen operations, disaster response and fleet readiness.
While responding to questions sent by fijivillage News, Commander Fiji Navy, Commodore Timoci Natuva stressed that the Navy currently does not have sufficient personnel to operate all its vessels at full capacity.
He says establishing and fully operationalising the Maritime Essential Services Centre (MESC) requires more personnel, while new capabilities also demand additional manpower.
He says the workload of personnel continues to increase due to operational demands and the move into the MESC.
Natuva says submissions have been made to their Headquarters highlighting the need for more personnel.
He says the Republic of Fiji Military Forces is also undergoing an organizational capability review exercise to look at the larger needs of the RFMF and they hope the Navy's needs will also be addressed.
He says retention of personnel is also an issue hence the need to look at better remuneration for personnel.
The Navy Commander says they recently acquired inshore patrol craft from Japan and Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats (RHIBs) from the United States to strengthen search and rescue, interdiction and surveillance operations.
He says these assets were provided by their partners, and their ongoing maintenance will be critical.
He adds that establishing and implementing the necessary support systems will be a priority in the new financial year.
Natuva says supply chain issues continue to affect fleet readiness, while spending limits on purchasing remain a challenge.
He says access to spare parts locally is limited and the cost of flying parts in from overseas is high.
He says additional funding has been requested to support the sustainment of the Navy's capabilities, while efforts are also underway to improve planning and implement a more streamlined logistics system.
On disaster response capability, Natuva says the need for a Landing Craft is critical for both the Navy and the RFMF.
He says the capability is required to support Forward Operating Bases and provide logistical lift during operations.
Natuva says it will also be critical in supporting the work of RFMF engineers in rural development projects and disaster deployments.
He says when RFNS Levuka and RFNS Lautoka were decommissioned, the Navy lost that strategic lift capability.
He says the Navy could also use such a vessel to support communities in the outer islands, as it had done in previous years with RFNS Lautoka and RFNS Levuka.
The Navy Commander says that given the impacts of climate change, the ability to respond in a timely manner is becoming increasingly important.
The 2026/2027 National Budget will be delivered at 10am tomorrow.
