Australia hands over new patrol boat to Tuvalu

The Australian government has handed over a new Guardian-class Patrol Boat, the HMTSS Te Mataili III, to Prime Minister of Tuvalu Feleti Teo. The delivery of the vessel follows the elevation of the security partnership between Australia and Tuvalu under the Falepili Union. The vessel will strengthen Tuvalu’s capability to protect its critical maritime resources. HMTSS Te Mataili III is the 21st vessel delivered under the Pacific Maritime Security Program – Australia’s 30-year commitment of uninterrupted engagement with its Pacific partners. The Australia–Tuvalu Falepili Union Treaty entered into force in August 2024, advancing our shared interests and helping to safeguard our collective sovereignty and security. Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Development Pat Conroy said: “The delivery of HMTSS Te Mataili III to Tuvalu demonstrates Australia’s commitment to enhancing the capabilities of our Pacific partners. This vessel will strengthen Tuvalu’s maritime capability, as we work towards our shared vision of a peaceful, prosperous and resilient Pacific.” Minister for Defence Personnel Matt Keogh said: “It is an honour to handover HMTSS Te Mataili III to Tuvalu with their Prime Minister, the Hon Feleti Teo OBE. Australia is proud to be Tuvalu’s primary security partner and we greatly value the enhanced partnership between our nations.” For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Kym Bergmann at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Group Sales Director Simon Hadfield at [email protected]