Assistant Minister for Defence Peter Khalil has reaffirmed Australia’s deep defence partnership with Tonga during his visit to the Kingdom on 15 October 2025 for the commissioning of His Majesty’s Armed Forces’ newest landing craft, VOEA Late, at Masefield Naval Base.
Delivered under the Albanese Government’s Pacific Maritime Security Program, the VOEA Late will enhance Tonga’s capacity to provide humanitarian and disaster relief and strengthen its ability to deter and combat illegal maritime activities across the Pacific.
His Majesty King Tupou VI formally commissioned the vessel, joined by His Royal Highness Crown Prince Tupouto’a ‘Ulukalala, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for His Majesty’s Armed Forces.
Australia will continue to support the Tongan Royal Navy through maintenance, sustainment and training packages to ensure the vessel’s readiness and operational capacity.
Assistant Minister Khalil said it was an honour to represent Australia at the commissioning ceremony, calling the VOEA Late “a fitting symbol of Australia’s commitment as Tonga’s leading maritime partner.”
“Australia is proud to partner with Tonga on maritime security and disaster preparedness so we can further the close relationship between our defence forces,” Khalil said.
“Our Pacific Maritime Security Program is a 30-year commitment to invest in partnerships across the region and reinforce Australia’s role as the security partner of choice for our Pacific neighbours.”
In his address, Khalil highlighted the long-standing friendship between the two nations, celebrating 55 years of diplomatic relations and more than 200 years of shared history. He noted Tonga’s significant contribution to regional peace, recalling the Kingdom’s unique status as the only nation outside Australia and New Zealand to commemorate ANZAC Day as a public holiday.
He also praised Tonga’s leadership on climate resilience, disaster preparedness and regional security, emphasising the importance of “Pacific-led solutions” through initiatives such as the Pacific Resilience Facility and the Pacific Response Group.
The commissioning of VOEA Late, the largest vessel in the Tongan Royal Navy, marks a new chapter in the growing partnership between Australia and Tonga. It follows the recent signing of a Statement of Intent to elevate bilateral ties under the proposed Kaume’a ‘Ofi (“close trusted friendship”) Partnership Agreement.
As the ceremony concluded, Khalil expressed gratitude to His Majesty’s Armed Forces for their hospitality and dedication, extending his best wishes to the crew of Late:
“Fair winds and following seas as you serve your people with distinction.”
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