Fiji and New Zealand are deepening their maritime cooperation as the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF), through the Fiji Navy, works alongside the Royal New Zealand Navy and New Zealand Defence Force on a second round of trials involving uncrewed surface vessels in Fijian waters.

The latest exercise follows proof-of-concept trials held in 2025, giving naval personnel from both countries another opportunity to test emerging technology and assess how it could strengthen Fiji’s maritime surveillance capabilities.

The vessels are designed to operate without crews and draw power from renewable energy sources such as solar, wind and wave energy.

Their ability to remain at sea for extended periods, combined with onboard sensors, could support a range of activities, including maritime domain awareness, fisheries monitoring, border surveillance, environmental observation and protection of Fiji’s vast maritime area.

For the public, the trials highlight how new technology could help Fiji better monitor and respond to activity across its waters while reducing the need to place personnel aboard surveillance platforms.

The exercise is also a practical example of the Duavata Partnership between Fiji and New Zealand, which focuses on defence cooperation, maritime security, border protection, capability development and addressing transnational threats in the Blue Pacific.

The trials support the CRFMF’s modernization efforts and the Fiji Navy’s Headmark commitment to improving readiness, professional skills, innovation and technology-supported maritime awareness.

By building on the experience gained during the 2025 trials, Fiji and New Zealand are continuing to explore how emerging maritime technology and close defence cooperation can contribute to a safer and more resilient Pacific.