Australia to give maritime drones to Fiji from 2027
Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 15 Oct, 18:02 · Archive
Australia will provide Australian-made Bluebottle maritime drones to Fiji's military from early 2027 to counter organised crime and drug trafficking in the Pacific. The drones will be gifted as part of the Waqa Moana partnership, a Pacific-led security initiative. Australia pledged $600 million at the Pacific Islands Forum in September to help implement the partnership.
The Bluebottle drones can provide reconnaissance and surveillance and can stay at sea for more than 180 days, powered by renewable energy. Defence Minister Richard Marles said the drones would strengthen Fiji's maritime surveillance capabilities and ties with Pacific partners. 'This Bluebottle partnership demonstrates how Australian innovation can deliver real-world outcomes for our neighbours and the wider region,' he said.
The partnership follows Australia and Fiji signing the Ocean of Peace Treaty in July, a mutual defence pact that is the fourth alliance Australia has signed, after the US, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea. The Bluebottle initiative coincides with the opening of a manufacturing hub in Sydney for Ocius, the drone maker. The Australian federal government in March signed a $176 million agreement to buy 40 more maritime drones for the navy, bringing its total fleet to 55.
How it is being reported
- Australian sea drones to combat Pacific drug crimeMaritime drones will be given to Fiji''s military from 2027 as part of a partnership tackling transnational crime such as drug trafficking.Perth Now · 15 Oct, 17:31
- Australian sea drones to combat Pacific drug crimeMaritime drones will be given to Fiji''s military from 2027 as part of a partnership tackling transnational crime such as drug trafficking.The West Australian · 15 Oct, 17:31
In this story: Australia · Fiji · Ocius · Richard Marles · Waqa Moana
This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem
Comments (0)