AUSTRALIA will invest $312million over the next decade to support Waqa Moana, a Pacific-led initiative targeting transnational organised crime and illicit maritime activity across the region.
Australian Minister for Defence Peter Khalil announced the funding commitment during his visit to Fiji, commending the nation’s leadership in driving regional security initiatives alongside bilateral agreements such as the Vuvale Union and the Ocean of Peace Alliance. The 10-year funding strategy aims to boost capacity to detect, deter, and disrupt crime while preserving the sovereignty and resilience of Pacific island states.
“Australia is a partner in the region that you can count on, which is why we will continue to listen to our neighbours and allies, support Pacific-led solutions and work together,” he said.
As part of the initiative, Australia is negotiating the acquisition of two Bluebottle uncrewed autonomous surveillance vessels. The Australian-designed craft offer six months of operational endurance to provide persistent monitoring capabilities for Fijian authorities. The maritime strategy builds on existing assets, including 23 Guardian-class patrol boats and three landing craft already delivered to 12 Pacific nations under Australia’s multi-billion-dollar Pacific Maritime Security Program.
Mr Khalil stressed that all joint initiatives are aimed at empowering sovereign Pacific nations to safeguard their borders without external interference.
“All our efforts at this political level clearly is to support our militaries in doing their very important, critical work. That work is about building that stronger Pacific family so we can all make our own decisions as strong, sovereign nations.”
