Australia supports Pacific-led maritime security operation in Solomon Islands
Australian Defence Department
The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) deployed personnel and a C-27J Spartan transport aircraft to Solomon Islands in August 2026 to provide aerial surveillance and information sharing capabilities across more than 320,000 square kilometers of the island nation’s exclusive economic zone.
The Australian Defence Force (ADF) involvement supports Operation Island Chief, a Pacific-led fisheries surveillance activity that is part of the Operation Solania initiative to bolster regional security.
The endeavors, which are run by the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA), coordinate maritime surveillance and patrol operations to detect and deter illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing, and transnational crime.
The Solomon Islands operation brought together Pacific Island Countries with support from Australia, France, New Zealand and the United States. The RAAF crew worked with FFA members to identify potential maritime security threats, said Flight Lt. Katherine Mitchell, the C-27J Spartan’s captain and contingent commander.
“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,” Mitchell said.
The ADF deployment reinforces Australia’s commitment to supporting Pacific priorities through practical cooperation, said Royal Australian Navy Vice Adm. Justin Jones, joint operations commander.
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“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,” Jones said.
Operation Island Chief and other FFA-coordinated maritime surveillance also receive support from Australia’s Pacific Maritime Security Program, which provides infrastructure, sustainment, training and coordination for 16 partner nations.
“Illegal fishing undermines sovereignty, economic security and regional stability,” Jones said. “Through Operation Solania, we are backing Pacific-led action, building interoperability with our partners, and helping ensure the Pacific remains safe, stable and resilient.”
