TUVALU and Australia have launched Operation RENDER SAFE 2026, a technical reconnaissance mission aimed at identifying unexploded World War II ordnance in Nanumea Lagoon.
Prime Minister Feleti Penitala Teo said the operation addressed a long-standing hazard left behind by the war, calling explosive remnants of war “unfinished business from a conflict that our people did not create, yet whose legacy we continue to live with today.”
Teo said the mission underscored the defence relationship between Tuvalu and Australia and thanked the Australian Government and the Australian Defence Force for responding to Tuvalu’s request for assistance.
Australia’s Acting High Commissioner to Tuvalu, Charlene Watego, described the deployment as “a perfect example of our partnership under the Falepili Union Treaty,” pointing to close cooperation between the Australian Defence Force and the Tuvalu Police Service Maritime Wing.
Commander Nicholas Lee, who leads the Australian contingent, said the mission is being carried out at Tuvalu’s request.
“Australia does not deploy unilaterally. We are here at the request of the Government of Tuvalu,” he said.
The operation will carry out a technical reconnaissance of Nanumea Lagoon to identify and assess World War II explosive remnants, information that will be used to guide future clearance work.
Officials say the mission is intended to support safer waters for future generations while reflecting the broader partnership between the two countries.
