Fiji to Deploy Solar-Powered Australian Military Drones at Sea
The Pacific-led Waqa Moana partnership aims to counter organised crime and drug trafficking, with the drones expected to reach Fiji in early 2027.
- Australia is gifting Bluebottle maritime drones to Fiji under the Waqa Moana partnership to bolster regional security and enhance surveillance capabilities against transnational crime across the Pacific Ocean.
- This gift follows Australia's $600 million pledge made at September's Pacific Islands Forum and aligns with the mutual defense Ocean of Peace Treaty signed in July between the two countries.
- Australian-Made Bluebottles use renewable energy to remain at sea for more than 180 days, providing persistent reconnaissance. Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy said they will help "stamp out the illicit drug trade."
- Fiji approved a maritime security strategy on Thursday targeting methamphetamine and cocaine trafficking. The country is also overhauling its intelligence service, with New Zealand's spy agency conducting a six-month review.
- Defence Minister Richard Marles stated the Bluebottles are expected to be available to Fiji in early 2027, where they will assist in patrolling vast maritime zones to combat illegal fishing and "narco subs.
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Marine sun-powered drones, able to stay for months, will patrol Fiji's waters next year to combat drug trafficking and other illegal activities, under an agreement with Australia announced on Friday, reports AFP.
Fiji to deploy solar-powered Australian military drones at sea
Fiji approved a maritime security strategy on Thursday to combat transnational crime, including a surge in methamphetamine and cocaine trafficking across the Pacific. The Bluebottle drone, manufactured in Sydney, is named after a small jellyfish with a painful sting that washes ashore on Australian beaches. Australia's military uses the small uncrewed boats to quietly surveil its vast northern coastline, powered by a solar mast and wind. Austral…
Sydney, 16 Oct 2026 (AFP) – Solar-powered marine military drones capable of staying at sea for months will patrol next year in Fiji's waters to fight drug traffickers and other illegal activities, as part of an agreement with Australia announced on Friday. Fiji has approved on Thursday a [...] Read more Fiji will deploy Australian military drones in the Pacific has appeared first on MARINE & OCEANS.
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