The Republic of Fiji has received its third Guardian-class patrol boat, the RFNS Timo, from Australia.
The handover is part of the countries’ agreement to enhance regional security cooperation under the Pacific Maritime Security Program (PMSP).
RFNS Timo will replace the decommissioned RFNS Puamau, after it sustained damage from running aground on the Fulaga Reef.
The latest boat comes around four years after the first seacraft, RFNS Savenaca, was delivered in 2020.
Australia-Fiji Ties
Canberra and Suva inked the Vuvale Partnership in 2019 to strengthen bilateral relations across different areas of cooperation, including maintaining security in the Pacific region.
Meanwhile, the creation of the PMSP deepens their relationship, as it focuses on Australia’s commitment to providing capability, infrastructure, sustainment, training, and coordination to Fiji and other Pacific island nations to enhance maritime security.
The maritime security program consists of providing assets such as three landing craft and 24 new Guardian-class patrol boats, with Fiji’s recent acquisition counting as the 22nd vessel.
In addition, the PMSP package includes major maintenance and sustainment support, crew training, embedded in-country navy advisers, and region-wide aerial surveillance to respond to transnational crime.