Fiji: Donated uncrewed air systems will provide minimal capability enhancements in the short-term
On June 5, the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) received two Delair UX-11 uncrewed air systems (UAS) and two laptops donated from France. RFMF Commander Major General Kalouniwai stated the UASs will be used for intelligence gathering to combat illegal fishing and support disaster response. RFMF personnel will receive UAS training in New Caledonia, intended to lead to further collaboration in cybersecurity, joint training and climate resilience. The UAS is France’s first such donation in the region, the country’s Ambassador to Fiji stated it is part of France’s Indo-Pacific strategy, which prioritises partnerships with Pacific Island countries. Separately, the Nasinu Town Council will purchase a UAS in the next two months to enhance the speed of disaster response.
Assessment: Maritime border security and disaster response due to the effects of climate change are two Fiji Government priorities as part of its recent national security strategy (see SPI #20 of 24 April-7 May 2025). The RFMF has no previous history of operating UAS and will only see minimal enhancements to its overall border surveillance capability in the short-term. It is unclear if the French training will include maintenance. The UX-11 is a small commercial drone, primarily used for mapping and survey, with an endurance time of around one hour, limiting it to local tactical tasks. Further UAS purchases by security forces and town councils are highly likely.
Sources: Litia Cava, “Fiji, France Forge New Security Ties,” FBC News, June 26, 2025; Kelera Ditaiki, “Drone to Boost Emergency Response,” FBC News, June 27, 2025; “France – Ambassade de France aux Fidji”, Facebook post, June 26, 2025.
