RSIPF receives two NIAD vessels from Australia to strengthen maritime operations and rapid response across Solomon Islands waters
Solomon Islands police have received two NIAD vessels from Australia, aimed at strengthening the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force’s (RSIPF) ability to conduct maritime operations and respond to communities across the country’s coastal and inter-island waters.
Minister for Police John Tuhaika Jr. said the vessels would provide additional operational capability for police given Solomon Islands’ geography.
“The provision of these vessels will make a practical and meaningful contribution to the operational capability of the RSIPF,” Tuhaika said.
He said the vessels would support police operations across Solomon Islands’ waters, including access to remote and coastal communities.
“Solomon Islands is made up of almost 1,000 islands,” Tuhaika said.
Acting Police Commissioner James Aitorea said maritime capability was important to the RSIPF’s national security and operational responsibilities.
“Having a strong maritime capability is critical to the sovereignty, safety and security of our nation,” Aitorea said.
Aitorea said the vessels were developed in response to the RSIPF’s identified need to strengthen its coastal and inter-island maritime operations.
“When the RSIPF identified a need to strengthen its coastal and inter-island maritime capability, we worked together to develop a solution tailored to Solomon Islands’ unique operating environment,” he said.
Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett said the NIAD vessels would complement the RSIPF’s existing Guardian-class vessels.
“These vessels will complement the capability of the Guardian-class vessels,” Barrett said.
She said the Guardian-class vessels could focus on offshore patrols, while the NIAD vessels would provide a rapid-response capability closer to the islands.
“The NIAD vessels will provide a fast and reliable response capability within 30 nautical miles of islands,” Barrett said.
The handover adds to the maritime operational capabilities available to the RSIPF and forms part of the ongoing security cooperation between Solomon Islands and Australia.
By Steven Kamoa
