Defence is delivering capability to enhance maritime security through the Pacific Maritime Security Program (PMSP). The PMSP is a comprehensive package of capability, infrastructure, sustainment, training and coordination designed to increase national and regional maritime security for 16 partner nations.
Following the release of the Defence Strategic Review, the Australian Government committed to enhance its investment in the maritime security partnerships throughout the Pacific. This has enabled increased support to the PMSP, which is the cornerstone of Defence’s engagement in the Pacific.
The PMSP builds on the 3 decades of success of the original Pacific Patrol Boat Program and extends the uninterrupted commitment to maritime security in the Pacific.
The PMSP represents the Australian Government’s commitment for the next 30 years in the region and consists of the following components:
- 24 new Guardian-class Patrol Boats, 3 landing craft, and other maritime assets including a small loan fleet
- a package of major maintenance and sustainment support, including infrastructure
- training for crews through the Royal Australian Navy and commercial providers
- embedded in-country Navy advisers to support safe operations
- region-wide contracted aerial surveillance to enable targeted, intelligence-driven patrols to respond to transnational crime
- enhanced regional coordination and communication.
Australia is delivering 24 Guardian-class Patrol Boats to partner nations under the PMSP, with 21 vessels already delivered as of October 2024.
The Guardian-class Patrol Boats are the sovereign asset of individual nations.
Pacific Maritime Training Services program
The new Guardian-class Patrol Boats represent a significant shift in capability from the Pacific Patrol Boats. In March 2021, Defence engaged TAFE Queensland to deliver the Pacific Maritime Training Services (PMTS) program.
The PMTS program provides all maritime, technical, seamanship, communications and management training courses to develop the skills and capabilities of the crews of Guardian-class Patrol Boats.
In addition, the PMSP also provides training which embraces multiple approaches and agencies working in a complimentary manner. These trainings aim to provide the skills, knowledge and attributes to the nations to safely and effectively operate, manage and maintain their sovereign asset.
Enhanced Aerial Surveillance Program
The PMSP's Enhanced Aerial Surveillance Program (EASP) enhances national and regional maritime security through targeted, intelligence-driven patrols. The program also supports the improved interoperability between Pacific island nations.
The 15 Pacific island nations who are members of the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA), have access to the services in addressing maritime security challenges.
In 2022, the Australian Government announced it would double funding from the 2024-25 financial year.
The EASP will include enhanced fixed-wing aerial surveillance capabilities, uncrewed aerial vehicles, and satellite surveillance capability.
In 2024, the PMSP has implemented the first phase of the EASP: a funding contribution towards the satellite surveillance capability provided under the Quad Indo-Pacific Partnership for Maritime Domain Awareness.
This new satellite surveillance capability is operationally managed by the FFA and will empower FFA member nations to better protect the vast expanses of their Exclusive Economic Zones from maritime threats.
Armaments on Guardian-class Patrol Boats
At the request of the Governments of Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands, Defence is arming their Guardian-class Patrol Boats with 12.7 mm machine guns and delivering a comprehensive support package of training and through-life maintenance.
Australia is committed to assisting Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands to meet current and emerging maritime security challenges and priorities, including illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing and transnational crime.
The armaments are commensurate with capabilities present on Australian Border Force and Australian Defence Force Cape-class Patrol Boats. It will also provide continuity with the Pacific-class Patrol Boats, which were also previously armed.
The armaments are provided under bilateral arrangements that reflect all parties’ commitments to ensure appropriate safeguards are in place and ensure compliance with relevant domestic and international obligations.
Defence will provide a comprehensive support package to safely integrate the armaments, in accordance with Australia’s domestic and legal requirements. The package includes appropriate legal training and professional advice from the Defence Cooperation Program.