AUSTRALIA will provide Fiji with Bluebottle uncrewed surface vessels to strengthen maritime surveillance and help detect drug trafficking and illegal fishing under the country’s new Integrated Maritime Security Strategy.

Australia’s High Commissioner to Fiji, Peter Roberts, announced the support alongside Minister for Defence and Veterans Affairs Pio Tikoduadua, saying the two countries were working together to turn the strategy into action.

Roberts said Fiji needed to move beyond developing the strategy and focus on implementing it.

Tikoduadua said the announcement demonstrated the importance of practical cooperation in addressing maritime security challenges across the Pacific.

“Today is not just about talking,” he said.

“I emphasise that earlier during the launch that no nation can protect its oceans by itself. We all need each other, big and small.”

The Bluebottle uncrewed surface vessels are 7.5 metres long and powered by solar, wind and wave energy. They can remain at sea for up to six months, providing extended surveillance capabilities.

Tikoduadua said the vessels would become Fiji’s sovereign assets and help authorities detect drug trafficking and illegal fishing.

He said the new capability would complement existing maritime security resources developed through cooperation with Australia.

Tikoduadua acknowledged Australia’s Pacific Patrol Boat Programme, including the Guardian-class patrol boats already in Fiji, as well as existing support involving the Maritime Essential Services Centre (MESC).

He said the new vessels would provide a dedicated resource, primarily managed by the Maritime Essential Services Centre under the leadership of the Republic of the Fiji Navy.

Tikoduadua said maritime security was a shared challenge for Fiji and Australia, given their connection through the ocean.

He said the cooperation reflected the spirit of the Vuvale partnership, with both countries working together to address shared challenges, support each other and strengthen regional security.

The vessels will support Fiji’s efforts to implement its Integrated Maritime Security Strategy, which aims to strengthen coordination between government agencies and improve the country’s ability to monitor and respond to threats across its maritime zone.