Government in partnership with Australia is developing a national air capability.
Defence and Veteran Affairs Minister Pio Tikoduadua told Parliament that this initiative was tied to the work of the Maritime Essential Services Centre (MESC) as it would ensure that Fiji had a persistent aerial presence over its maritime domain.
“Surveillance aircraft operating in coordination with the centre will provide Fiji with the ability to dominate our maritime space through combined air and sea monitoring,” Mr Tikoduadua said.
“Furthermore, the honourable Prime Minister has announced that Fiji is exploring the possibility of a treaty or alliance with Australia that includes defence cooperation.”
He said while this remained at a very early stage of negotiation, it represented a profound opportunity.
“Such an arrangement would give Fiji extraordinary capabilities that extend beyond what is currently available under the Defence Cooperation Program.
“It would present a generational step in Fiji’s ability to safeguard its sovereignty.”
