TWO “Bluebottle” Uncrewed Surface Vessels (USVs) have been deployed to Fiji with the kind cooperation of the Royal New Zealand Navy.
Under the Duavata Partnership, the Republic of Fiji Navy received the USV advanced vessels on Monday at the Maritime Essential Services Centre in Lami.
The vessels are designed to enhance maritime domain awareness as a complementary capability to the Fiji Navy’s existing systems.
The vessels will not only assist the Fiji Navy, but will also support its partner agencies including the Fiji Revenue and Customs, Police Transnational Crime Unit, Fisheries, Immigration, Biosecurity Authority of Fiji and other maritime stakeholders.
The USVs will be in Fiji for a three-month deployment which marks a significant milestone in the New Zealand-Fiji defence cooperation under CALYPSO.
Defence and Veterans Affairs Minister Pio Tikoduadua, who received the vessel, said the deployment marks the longstanding partnership between Fiji and New Zealand, emphasising their shared commitment to regional stability.
He said the vessels are capable of a variety of tasks, including fishery protection, border security and meteorological data collections.
The 7.4 metre autonomous maritime platforms are powered by renewable energy sources — solar, wind and wave motion which enables indefinite operations at sea without fuel or crew requirements.
The Royal New Zealand Navy will provide comprehensive operational support and knowledge transfer to the Fiji Navy personnel at the Maritime Essential Services Centre. The deployment, according to the Fiji Navy exemplifies how Pacific large ocean States can achieve enhanced maritime security through strategic partnerships.
The uncrewed surface vessels “Tahi” and “Rua” will provide real-time situational awareness and cost-effective persistent surveillance across Fiji’s waters.
It is critical as Fiji evolves to enhance detection, deterrence and disruption to illegal activities within its waters.
“We are facing a more dynamic and challenging security environment than we have for some time. The effects of climate change, transnational organised crime, and continued stress on the international rules-based system,” Mr Tikoduadua said.
“The deployment of these Bluebottle vessels is a clear indication of our responsiveness to this changing reality that we all face.”
He said the deployment also underscored the shared commitment for both countries in safeguarding their expansive exclusive economic zones.
He conveyed his gratitude and appreciation for New Zealand and their strong bilateral relationship in upholding the Duavata Partnership.
Each USV requires only a single remote operator while delivering significant surveillance capability multiplications.
New Zealand High Commissioner Charlotte Darlow said the collaboration reflects the future of what the Duavata Partnership looks like.
“The new acquisition of technology from New Zealand has been co-deployed in partnership with Republic of Fiji Navy for an extended period of time to support border security and enhance maritime domain awareness,” she said.
The New Zealand Chief of Navy for the New Zealand Defence Force, Rear Admiral Garin Gilding was also present at the event.
