Leader of Opposition Inia Seruiratu has urged the Government to fast-track new drone legislation, warning that the technology poses both opportunities and threats to Fiji’s security.
Speaking in Parliament last week during the debate on the Review Report of the Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji’s 2023 Annual Report, Mr Seruiratu called for updated drone laws to address regulatory gaps.
“This is an interesting issue,” he said.
“Our national security review has been completed and we look forward to the national security strategy. Just the other day, the Minister for Defence spoke about traditional and non-traditional threats.”
Drawing on his military studies, Mr Seruiratu recalled writing an essay in 2006 on the use of airpower, including drones, in Afghanistan and Iraq.
“The argument was, is this a conventional war or a non-conventional war because of the use of drones?”
While noting drones’ positive uses in disaster response and agriculture, Mr Seruiratu cautioned that they could also be exploited by hostile actors.
“In capable hands, we hope these areas will be expedited,” he said, urging the Government to act swiftly on the committee’s recommendations.