Australia supports Pacific partners to maintain security at sea

The Australian Defence Force (ADF) has completed this year’s first maritime and aerial surveillance activity for Operation Solania in the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI).

Under Operation Solania, the ADF is assisting the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) to detect and deter illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing activities. ADF assets provide intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance support to Pacific Island countries that contribute to regional security.

The FFA is an advisory and coordinating body established to assist member nations to manage and enhance their fisheries’ resources. FFA members work together to coordinate maritime and aerial surveillance patrols in their Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ). The FFA is supported by Australia’s Pacific Maritime Security Program, along with ADF assets and personnel.

In this iteration of Operation Solania, the ADF deployed a Royal Australian Air Force C-27J Spartan from 35 Squadron and supporting personnel to Kwajalein to support the maritime surveillance of RMI’s EEZ.

Australia remains committed to working with the RMI against the threat to territorial sovereignty and economic development caused by transnational crime and the illegal, unreported, and unregulated exploitation of natural resources.

The Chief of Joint Operations, Vice Admiral Justin Jones said the ADF is committed to working with Pacific partners to respond to the illegal exploitation of fisheries and national resources.

“A strong and prosperous Pacific region is in our interests, and Australia is proud to work alongside the Republic of the Marshall Islands to address shared priorities and challenges.

Australia and the Republic of the Marshall Islands have a long-standing partnership in maritime security, built on a shared ambition for a peaceful, prosperous and resilient region,” Vice Admiral Jones said.

Media note

Media can access imagery/vision at https://images.defence.gov.au/S20250311