The Fiji Navy successfully completed the initial phase of Operation Yadra Matua, a coordinated maritime security operation which involved two Guardian-class patrol boats, several small boats, two surveillance aircraft and more than 85 personnel.
Supported by the Intelligence Fusion Centre based at the Vuvale Maritime Essential Services Centre, the operation achieved extensive coverage across Fiji’s territorial waters.
During the operation;
More than 98 vessels were boarded and inspected;
Through air patrols, 28 maritime contacts were sighted, identified and verified; and
Few vessels boarded were found to be non-compliant and were handed over to the relevant authorities for further action
RFNS Savenaca and RFNS Timo were deployed to Fiji’s western and eastern maritime areas, while small-boat teams conducted patrols in the Northern Division and across the Suva-to-Navua maritime corridor.
A Royal Australian Air Force C-27J Spartan, deployed under the Defence Pacific Air Program, and a Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency King Air aircraft provided aerial surveillance in support of the surface patrols.
Building on lessons identified during Exercise Limasagavulu in 2025, Operation Yadra Matua was designed to strengthen the coordination and synchronisation of maritime security activities—from intelligence gathering and surveillance to detection, interception, boarding and enforcement.
The operation also assessed the Navy’s ability to coordinate multiple surface and air assets across a wide operational area and support a more integrated national approach to maritime security.
As Fiji continues to face increasingly complex maritime threats, the Fiji Navy intends to increase the tempo of operations and adopt a more proactive approach focused on detecting, deterring and disrupting illegal activities within Fiji’s maritime domain.
Despite challenges the RFMF Naval Divisions remains committed to protecting Fiji’s sovereignty, maritime resources, communities and national interests.
The Fiji Navy acknowledges and thanks the Government of Australia for its continued support through the Defence Pacific Air Program and the Pacific Maritime Security Program, as well as the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency for the provision of aerial surveillance support.
Operation Yadra Matua demonstrates the importance of strong national coordination and trusted regional partnerships. Fiji’s maritime domain is vast, and securing it requires the combined efforts of our maritime agencies, communities, allies and international partners. While the initial phase of this op has concluded, surveillance ops will continue as usual.
Together, we strengthen maritime security and safeguard Fiji’s future.
