Fiji: International and commercial assistance highly likely required should purchase of RFMF surveillance aircraft go ahead

On 5 March, media reported that the Fiji Government is considering acquisition of a surveillance aircraft for the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF). Commander of the Fiji Navy, Commodore Timoci Natuva, stated that Fiji has limited maritime surveillance capacity, and that aircraft, including drones, provide speed, flexibility, and wider coverage than sea vessels alone. His preference was for aircraft to conduct surveillance and sea vessels to carry out interdiction.

Assessment: A surveillance aircraft is unlikely to be purchased in the short-term. Government decision making is likely to consider sustainability issues such as pilot and mechanic training, ongoing maintenance, and new RFMF infrastructure. In 1997, the previous RFMF Air Wing consisting of two helicopters was disbanded following one significant aircraft crash and unsustainable operating costs. The RFMF has no collective knowledge of air operations and should the government approve the purchase, the RFMF will highly likely rely on international and commercial partners to assist building this capability, including the integration of two recently donated French surveillance drones (see SPI 23, 4-18 June 2025).

Sources: Shania Shayal Prasad, “Fiji Navy eyes surveillance boost,” FBC, March 5, 2026.