The Republic of the Fiji Navy is increasing its presence and dominance over its maritime jurisdictions to deter transnational criminal groups from trafficking illicit drugs through Fiji’s waters.
According to Fiji Navy Commander Timoci Natuva, recent naval and multi-agency patrols in the region were primarily aimed at increasing visibility and verifying vessels operating in Fiji waters.
Commander Natuva said the operations were not prompted by any single unusual incident but were part of routine efforts to maintain maritime presence and security.
He explained that during recent patrols, including joint surveillance involving the Fiji and United States Coast Guard (USCGC Harriet Lane), authorities inspected yachts operating in the Lau Group to confirm vessel identities and cross-check Automatic Identification System (AIS) signals.
“Customs and fisheries officers also took part in the operations, supporting compliance checks and broader maritime monitoring efforts, including offshore fisheries oversight,” he said.
“It just enhances our ability to maintain presence in the waters. Because our waters are just vast. So any sort of assistance like now from Japan, from the United States, from Australia in particular, has been helping us a lot.”
He also highlighted recent security assistance, including the provision of three 17-metre patrol boats from Japan under a $6million Official Security Assistance program.
The vessels are intended to improve the Fiji Navy’s operational reach, particularly in maritime security enforcement and law enforcement activities across remote waters.
Commander Natuva said Government support for maritime surveillance has been increasing, even as the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) budget experiences adjustments linked in part to the scaling down of peacekeeping operations.
