3 December 2021
The ADF is working with the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) to restore calm after recent civil unrest in Solomon Islands.
This follows the Australian Government’s response to a request from the Solomon Islands Government under the 2017 bilateral security treaty to assist with provision of safety and security in Honiara.
Around 100 ADF personnel have deployed to support the whole-of-Government response alongside officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Australian Federal Police (AFP) officers.
The Australian team have been joined by our Pacific partners from the Republic of Fiji Military Forces and Papua New Guinean Constabulary and Defence Force, and New Zealand Defence Force and Police.
Commander Joint Task Group 637.3 LTCOL Steve Frankel said the ADF was proud to support our Pacific Island family.
“Solomon Islands is part of our Pacific family and is one of our closest neighbours,” LTCOL Frankel said.
“The ADF is supporting the Royal Solomon Island Police Force alongside Australian Federal Police. The situation in Honiara remains calm following the initial unrest, and the RSIPF has done a great job to restore order.”
The ADF contingent is from the Deployable Joint Force Headquarters, Army’s 3rd, 6th and 17th Brigades, Royal Australian Air Force No. 4 Squadron and Royal Australian Navy’s HMAS Armidale.
Australian Army soldiers from Joint Task Group 637.3 prepare to board a Royal Australian Air Force C-17A Globemaster III aircraft at RAAF Base Townsville, to deploy to the Solomon Islands on 26 November 2021. Photo: Corporal Brandon Grey
As part of the ADF’s contribution:
- personnel are working alongside AFP and RSIPF to support operations;
- an Air Force team is providing airfield support operations;
- HMAS Armidale is assisting the RSIPF with maritime security; and
- Air Force is conducting regular sustainment flights.
The first ADF personnel arrived in Honiara on a RAAF Globemaster on November 26.
The ADF’s tasks are tailored to the needs of the Solomon Islands Government supporting the AFP and DFAT, and are in keeping with our enduring security partnership.
ADF, AFP and DFAT personnel are fully vaccinated and are adhering to strict COVID-safe protocols.
