Fiji is strengthening its fight against drug trafficking, illegal fishing, and other maritime security threats after the United States handed over three Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats and a new boat ramp to the Republic of Fiji Navy.

The new vessels will improve the Navy’s ability to patrol Fiji’s waters, respond quickly to emergencies, intercept vessels involved in illicit activities, and conduct search-and-rescue operations across the country’s maritime zone.

The handover took place at Stanley Brown Naval Base in Walu Bay this morning.

Minister for Defence Pio Tikoduadua said the boats will give the Navy greater flexibility and mobility, allowing personnel to operate closer to shore and respond more effectively to security incidents.

He said maritime security is central to Fiji’s national security because the country’s economy, trade, fisheries, transport links, and remote communities all depend on the ocean.

Tikoduadua also warned that the Pacific is facing growing challenges, including transnational organised crime, narcotics trafficking, illegal fishing, illicit maritime activity, natural disasters, climate-related emergencies, and increasing pressure on maritime resources.

Meanwhile, U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Christina Cavallo said the RHIBs serve both a practical and symbolic purpose.

She said the vessels will help intercept boats carrying illicit drugs, deploy enforcement teams to fishing vessels, verify compliance with fisheries regulations, and transport search-and-rescue crews to mariners in distress.

Cavallo said the boats represent law and order, sovereignty, and safety, adding that their presence at sea will strengthen Fiji’s maritime enforcement capability.

The United States said the boats and ramp form part of a broader project to strengthen Fiji’s maritime domain awareness and enforcement capacity.

Two additional RHIBs are expected to be delivered in early 2027, bringing the total package to six vessels.

The handover also builds on the growing U.S.-Fiji maritime partnership, including joint shiprider patrols in Fiji’s Exclusive Economic Zone.