Ministry of Defence & Veterans Affairs, Fiji

03/09/2026

02/09/2026

26/08/2026

25/08/2026

The Minister for Defence and Veterans Affairs, Hon. Pio Tikoduadua, together with the Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces, Major General Ro Jone Kalouniwai, visited the Blackrock Camp to witness the lead up to the final phase of Exercise Bougainville 2026, following three weeks of intensive activity.

Exercise Bougainville has brought together the RFMF and key Government agencies such as National Fire Authority, National Disaster Risk Management Office, Commissioner Westerns Office, Ministry of Health and Medical Services, Aspen Hospital, Fiji Police Force, Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji, Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji, and Fiji Airports Limited to test Fiji’s incident response mechanisms, strengthen coordination and assess the interoperability of agencies during a major national crisis.

The exercise provides an important opportunity to identify gaps, strengthen command and coordination arrangements, and ensure that agencies are able to work together effectively when Fiji is confronted with complex security or emergency situations.

Exercise Bougainville has also benefited from the support and expertise of Fiji’s international defence partners. The Ministry acknowledges their contribution and continued partnership with the RFMF in strengthening Fiji’s preparedness, resilience and national response capabilities.

13/08/2026

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12/08/2026

The Republic of Fiji Navy today formally received four Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats (RHIBs) and the completed Ramp Extension Project at RFNS Stanley Brown, delivered with the support of the Government of the United States through its Official Defence Assistance Programme.

The handover marks another practical step in the longstanding defence and security partnership between Fiji and the United States, strengthening the Navy’s ability to operate effectively within Fiji’s vast maritime domain.

Minister for Defence and Veterans Affairs, Hon. Pio Tikoduadua, said Fiji’s security is inseparable from the ocean that surrounds and connects our islands.

“We are an ocean state. The sea connects our islands, sustains our communities, supports our economy and shapes the responsibilities we carry as a nation.”

The Minister said the new RHIBs will provide greater flexibility and mobility for naval operations, while the ramp infrastructure will support the Navy’s ability to launch, recover and sustain its small boat capability.

He emphasised that Fiji values defence partnerships which respond to genuine national requirements, strengthen Fiji’s own institutions and build capabilities that can be sustained over the long term.

The Minister also acknowledged the Government and people of the United States, the United States Embassy in Suva, and personnel from both countries who worked together to deliver the project.

The handover reflects the shared commitment of Fiji and the United States to a secure, stable and peaceful Pacific, while strengthening Fiji’s capacity to protect its sovereignty, maritime resources and people.

04/08/2026

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