Australia and Solomon Islands’ strong and enduring security partnership has reached another milestone as Solomon Islands received its second Guardian-class Patrol Boat under Australia’s Pacific Maritime Security Program. The High Commissioner for Solomon Islands Robert Sisilo accepted RSIPV Taro on behalf of the Solomon Islands government at a ceremony in Henderson, Western Australia. Head Navy Engineering, Rear Admiral Katherine Richards, said Australia and Solomon Islands have a long history of close security cooperation, based on a shared vision for a secure and prosperous Pacific.
“The new Guardian-class Patrol Boats play an important role in tackling our shared regional security challenges, and the delivery of RSIPV Taro is a significant milestone,” Richards said. “We are better positioned to respond to maritime threats, from illegal fishing to transnational crime by working together, coordinating closely and building our interoperability.”
RSIPV Taro is the second of two Australian-made Guardian-class Patrol Boats to be gifted to Solomon Islands. The first vessel, RSIPVGizo, was delivered in November 2019.
“Solomon Islands is leading the way in its use of the Guardian-class. The completion of its Guardian-class fleet today is a significant step-up in Solomon Islands’ and regional capability,” Richards said.
Under the Pacific Maritime Security Program, 12 Pacific Island nations and Timor-Leste will receive 21 Guardian-class Patrol Boats. To date, 10 vessels have been delivered across the Pacific.
Meanwhile, Royal Australian Navy vessel HMAS Larrakia will arrive in Solomon Islands this week to support the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force’s (RSIPF) COVID-19 response. Larrakia will conduct maritime surveillance activities in the western border region at the request of the Solomon Islands government.
Commanding Officer of HMAS Larrakia, Lieutenant Commander Dan Lindquist, said the deployment is another example of Australia and Solomon Islands’ strong and enduring security partnership. “This deployment follows HMAS Maitland’s visit in March which focused on maritime security in the western provinces. This includes working to detect, deter and report potential illegal fishing activity with regional partners. HMAS Larrakia will continue the efforts to strengthen our relationship with the Solomon Island Government as we assist with our surveillance support to ensure stability and prosperity in the region.”
The visit will be contactless to ensure the health and safety of the Solomon Islands’ community. No Australian Defence Force personnel will disembark. Australian Defence Adviser Southwest Pacific, Commander Mark Northcote, said Defence has worked closely with Solomon Islands throughout the pandemic to boost the RSIPF’s COVID-19 response and preparedness at the western border. “In February, Australia delivered two new special purpose aluminium fast boats, providing a more flexible maritime response capability in remote areas,” Northcote said. “We are pleased to continue supporting the efforts of the Solomon Islands government to keep the community safe and free from COVID-19.”
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