ADF supports Pacific-led maritime security operation in Solomon Islands

The Australian Defence Force (ADF) has supported Operation Island Chief, a Pacific-led fisheries surveillance activity aimed at strengthening regional security. The operation, coordinated by the Pacific Islands’ Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) in Solomon Islands was established to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, and transnational crime. It brought together Pacific island countries, with support from Australia, France, New Zealand, and the United States. Under the Australian Defence Force’s contribution to the FFA’s exercise—­­Operation Solania—a Royal Australian Air Force C-27J Spartan and supporting personnel deployed to Solomon Islands to contribute aerial surveillance and information-sharing capabilities with oversight of their sovereign maritime resources. The contingent provided maritime surveillance support across more than 320,000 square kilometres of Solomon Islands’ exclusive economic zone. Contingent Commander and C-27J Spartan captain, Flight Lieutenant Katherine Mitchell, said the crew worked closely with FFA members to identify potential threats to Solomon Islands’ maritime security. “ADF surveillance patrols identified 19 vessels of interest in Solomon Islands’ exclusive economic zone and reported suspicious activity at sea to the FFA and participating authorities for assessment and follow-up action,” Flight Lieutenant Mitchell said. Commander Joint Operations, Vice Admiral Justin Jones, AO, CSC, said the deployment of ADF assets reinforced Australia’s commitment to supporting Pacific priorities through practical cooperation. “Our strength in the Pacific comes from partnership. By combining our capabilities and sharing information, we are supporting Pacific nations in responding to shared challenges and building a more secure region,” Vice Admiral Jones said. “Illegal fishing undermines sovereignty, economic security and regional stability. Operation Solania demonstrates Australia’s commitment of standing shoulder-to-shoulder with our Pacific partners to deter threats to protect what matters most. Australia’s security starts with a secure region. Through Operation Solania, we are backing Pacific-led action, building interoperability with our partners, and helping ensure the Pacific remains safe, stable and resilient.” Operation Island Chief is one of four annual Pacific‑led maritime surveillance operations coordinated by the FFA and supported by the ADF and Pacific Maritime Security Program.  The Pacific Maritime Security Program is a comprehensive package of capability, infrastructure, sustainment, training and coordination designed to increase regional maritime security for the 16 partner nations. For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Kym Bergmann at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Group Sales Director Simon Hadfield at [email protected]