AN upgraded airport in Temotu, Solomon Islands is part of efforts to improve aviation connectivity and boost border security.

The Santa Cruz (Lata) upgrade will be followed by construction of a new airport and maritime security post on Vanikoro, 100 kilometres to the south.

Temotu is the easternmost Solomon Islands province bordering Vanuatu to the South and Fiji to the east.

Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Communication and Aviation, Frederick Kologeto, said the projects aimed to strengthen aviation connectivity and protect the country’s eastern border.

The aviation facilities allow increased aerial surveillance capabilities while the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force will be able to base patrol craft at the new Vanikoro facility.

Work at Vanikoro is expected to begin in 2027.

Meanwhile Solomon islands police drone operators have returned from joint regional operations in Tuvalu for the pre Cop-31 visit by international leaders and Palau for the Pacific Islands Forum.

Officers from the Drone Support Unit deployed alongside Tuvalu and Palu colleagues under the Australian Federal Police Policing Partnership Program.

The deployments allowed local officers to apply their specialist skills.