THE Solomon Islands – Australia Defence Cooperation Program turned 42 this year.
The occasion was marked with an event at the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) Maritime Headquarters, attended by Mostyn Mangau, Commissioner Royal Solomon Islands Police Force, Superintendent Nevol Soko, Commander RSIPF Maritime Force and Colonel Justin Bywater, Australian Defence Advisor to Solomon Islands.
Colonel Bywater used the occasion to announce Australia’s next package of support to RSIPF Maritime Force including:
- 6 new Aluminium Long Boats for RSIPF Maritime Force will be delivered in the first quarter of 2025. The new boats have been jointly designed by the RSIPF and ADF. Training on the new vessels will be conducted under Exercise Coastwatchers in early 2025 to ensure high readiness ahead of Solomon Islands’ hosting of the Pacific Islands Forum.
- Maritime Headquarters Electrical Upgrade will be complete by May 2025 and includes installation of a 68 Kw solar panel array, 360 Kwh battery, backup generator, new roof, new lighting and new fans. These upgrades will provide an enhanced and sustainable headquarters capability for RSIPF Maritime Force into the future.
- Refurbished Maritime Force Leaf Hut – officially opened during the event, provides a new space for RSIPF Maritime Force members to conduct planning, training and recreational activities.
The new announcements are in addition to the SBD $120 million upgrade of Aola Wharf, opened by Hon Pat Conroy, Minister for International Development and the Pacific and Hon Jimson Tanangada, Minister of Police National Security and Correctional Services in September.
These investments in addition to the continuous Defence Cooperation Program support to Maritime Force, ongoing maintenance of Solomon Islands’ Guardian Class Patrol Vessels RSIPV’s Taro and Gizo and training in Australia brings total support to Maritime Force announced this year to over SBD $160 million.
Australian High Commissioner Rod Hilton, said Australia was an island nation just like Solomon Islands, and understood the importance of Maritime security.
“Maritime security is critical to keeping borders secure, ensuring freedom of navigation for maritime trade routes, and protecting our borders and territorial waters against illegal activity and illicit movements of people and goods.
“That is why Australia, under our Defence Cooperation Program continues to support Solomon Islands’ maritime security capability, through our longstanding partnership with the RSIPF Maritime Force,” he said.
Colonel Bywater said it was fitting to celebrate the Defence Cooperation Program’s 42nd birthday at RSIPF Maritime Force, which has been the single longest enduring line of effort since 1982.
“The current Defence Cooperation Program in Solomon Islands is bigger in breadth and depth than ever before and includes seven lines of effort covering Maritime Security, Explosive Ordnance Disposal, Border Surveillance, Band/Sport/Medical, Education, Infrastructure and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief,” he said.
