Fiji to receive Australian solar drones for maritime surveillance

Fiji is set to bolster its maritime surveillance capabilities through the acquisition of solar-powered drones manufactured in Australia, according to defence officials. The unmanned aerial systems will be deployed across the nation's extensive ocean territories to enhance monitoring and response operations.

The deployment timeline extends to 2027, providing Fiji with adequate preparation and training periods for personnel operating the advanced systems. The solar-powered technology offers extended flight endurance compared to conventional battery-operated drones, enabling longer surveillance missions across the Pacific island nation's vast maritime zones.

The initiative underscores strengthening defence ties between Canberra and Suva. Australia has increasingly supported regional partners in the Indo-Pacific through military capability-building programmes, recognising the strategic importance of maritime security in the region.

Fiji faces ongoing challenges in monitoring illegal fishing, people smuggling, and other maritime threats across its exclusive economic zone. The addition of persistent aerial surveillance capabilities is expected to enhance the country's ability to respond to incidents and protect its marine resources.

The procurement reflects broader regional trends toward acquiring autonomous systems for defence and security applications. Several Southeast Asian nations have similarly invested in drone technology to address maritime security concerns in increasingly contested waters.