Fiji’s military relationship with Australia has received further attention during a visit by Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) Commander Major General Jone Kalouniwai to Darwin, where 12 Fijian personnel are taking part in Exercise Pitch Black 26.

The multinational air combat exercise involves defence forces from 21 countries and provides the RFMF with an opportunity to contribute to a major regional military activity while strengthening cooperation with Australia.

During his visit, Maj Gen Kalouniwai met the 12 RFMF members supporting the exercise in roles including Air Ground Movement Control, media and communications, military policing, catering and medical support.

He praised their professionalism and commitment, highlighting the importance of their support roles to the safe and effective running of the exercise.

The visit also included discussions with senior Australian Defence Force leaders, including Chief of Air Force Air Marshal Stephen Chappell, Chief of the Defence Force Admiral Mark Hammond and Deputy Theatre Commander Major General Paul Kenny at Headquarters Joint Operations Command.

Key areas discussed included greater opportunities for embedded liaison, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief cooperation, maritime security, intelligence sharing, peacekeeping capability development and improved interoperability through multinational exercises.

Maj Gen Kalouniwai said closer operational cooperation could help strengthen the RFMF’s command-and-control capabilities, improve intelligence support and expand Fiji’s involvement in regional and multinational exercises.

He also took part in a strategic roundtable examining the future of Fiji-Australia defence cooperation over the next five years. Regional security, maritime domain awareness and practical opportunities for further cooperation were among the issues considered.

His visit continued at the Australian Defence College, where he met Commandant Major General Martin White and RFMF officers currently studying at the Australian Defence Force Academy, Staff College and War College.

For Fiji, Exercise Pitch Black 26 has provided more than a platform for its personnel to participate in a major international exercise. The engagement has also highlighted the continuing development of the Vuvale Partnership and Fiji-Australia cooperation on regional security and military capability.