Australia will support Fiji’s maritime security efforts with Australian-designed and built Bluebottle uncrewed surface vessels, as the Pacific nation launches its first National Maritime Security Strategy.
Australian High Commissioner to Fiji Peter Roberts joined Fiji’s Minister for Defence and Veterans Affairs, Pio Tikoduadua, at the launch of the Fiji Maritime Security Strategy 2026–2035 at Novotel Suva Lami Bay.
The Bluebottle vessels are expected to strengthen Fiji’s ability to monitor its vast maritime territory, protect marine resources and respond to illicit activities at sea.
Fiji’s exclusive economic zone spans approximately 1.28 million square kilometres, with around 96 per cent of the country’s trade moving by sea, making maritime security vital to its economy and national sovereignty.
Tikoduadua said growing threats, including transnational organised crime, drug trafficking, human smuggling, illegal fishing, cyber threats and climate change, required stronger laws, improved coordination and regional cooperation.
“Criminal networks are becoming more sophisticated and agile,” he said, emphasising the need for modern maritime enforcement capabilities.
The strategy establishes a framework for stronger maritime governance, coordinated enforcement, improved maritime domain awareness, climate resilience, ocean stewardship and cybersecurity.
Tikoduadua said government agencies could not tackle modern maritime crime effectively under “outdated laws and fragmented authorities”. He also stressed that stronger security measures must respect the rights, freedoms and dignity of Fijians.
Maritime powers legislation, already endorsed by Parliament, will form part of the broader reforms aimed at clarifying legal powers and strengthening enforcement at sea.
The strategy was developed with support from the United Kingdom’s Integrated Security Fund, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and King’s College London.
UK Integrated Security Fund Pacific head Peter Thomas said work on the strategy began through discussions two years ago.
“The next challenge is turning that direction into coordinated and sustained action.”
UNDP Effective Governance team leader Rustam Pulatov said maritime security could not rest on the responsibilities of a single ministry or agency.
The launch brought together representatives from the Fijian Government, Australian and UK governments, the Fiji Police Force, Fiji Navy, UNDP and other development partners.
The strategy marks a significant step in Fiji’s efforts to safeguard its ocean territory, marine resources, communities and livelihoods, while strengthening cooperation with regional partners, including Australia.
Support our Journalism
No-nonsense journalism. No paywalls. Whether you’re in Australia, the UK, Canada, the USA, or India, you can support The Australia Today by taking a paid subscription via Patreon or donating via PayPal — and help keep honest, fearless journalism alive.
