The Republic of Fiji Navy has launched a large-scale maritime security mission aimed at strengthening surveillance and response capabilities across the country’s waters.

Operation Yadra Matua, which began earlier this week, involves multiple Navy vessels, two aircraft and support from the Intelligence Fusion Cell at the Vuvale Maritime Essential Services Centre.

More than 80 personnel have been deployed across Fiji’s maritime domain as part of the coordinated operation.

The exercise builds on lessons learned during Exercise Limasagavulu 2025 and is designed to enhance the Navy’s ability to carry out coordinated maritime security operations using real-time intelligence, reliable communications and rapid operational response.

Authorities said the operation is testing every stage of the maritime security process, including intelligence collection, information sharing, deployment of assets, vessel interception, boarding procedures and the verification of vessels and other contacts of interest.

Since the operation commenced, Navy teams have carried out more than 49 vessel boardings, detected several breaches and verified numerous contacts, including vessels identified as being of interest.

Operation Yadra Matua remains ongoing as security personnel continue monitoring Fiji’s maritime borders.