Region: Four vessel donations to Vanuatu and Fiji indicate increased Japanese maritime security assistance

Around 9 March, Japan handed over the patrol vessel RVS Port Vila 360 to the Vanuatu Police Force, to strengthen the country’s ability to combat drug trafficking, maritime crimes, and ensure rapid response. The vessel was delivered to the Vanuatu Police Force at the request of former Police Commissioner Robson Iavro after one of its vessels was lost during Tropical Cyclones Judy and Kevin. Separately, around 27 March, Hiroshi Tajima, Japan’s Ambassador to Fiji, announced that Japan will provide three new patrol vessels to Fiji this year to counter drug trafficking. 

Assessment: The donation is a marked increase in Japanese security assistance to Fiji. Japan provided one rescue vessel and surveillance equipment to the Fijian Navy in 2025 as part of its first donation under the Official Security Assistance framework. In contrast, the vessel donated to Vanuatu primarily restores capacity for the Vanuatu Police Force (VPF). While no maintenance support from Japan was disclosed, officers assigned to the VPF vessel completed a week-long training at Mala Base to strengthen vessel handling, maintenance, and patrol readiness - the commercial nature of the vessel will ease maintenance and repair of the vessel.

Sources: Doddy Morris, “International support strengthens Vanuatu’s maritime crime response,” Daily Post, February 27, 2026; Eparama Warua, “Japan to provide 3 patrol vessels to Fiji amid escalating drug threat,” FijiOne, February 27, 2026.