ADF backs Pacific-led maritime security operation across Solomon Islands

Operation Island Chief, coordinated by the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA), brought together Pacific island nations with support from Australia, France, New Zealand and the United States.

Australia’s contribution was delivered through Operation Solania, under which the Royal Australian Air Force deployed a C-27J Spartan and supporting personnel to Solomon Islands to provide aerial surveillance and information-sharing capabilities.

The Australian contingent conducted surveillance across more than 320,000 square kilometres of Solomon Islands’ exclusive economic zone, working alongside FFA personnel and participating authorities to monitor maritime activity.

The deployment resulted in 19 vessels being identified as vessels of interest, with potentially suspicious activity reported for further assessment.

Contingent Commander and C-27J Spartan captain Flight Lieutenant Katherine Mitchell said the Australian crew worked closely with regional partners throughout the operation.

“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,” FLTLT Mitchell said.

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The operation demonstrates the increasingly important role of maritime domain awareness in protecting Pacific nations’ economic and sovereign interests.

Illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing can undermine fisheries resources, government revenues and food security, while the same maritime surveillance infrastructure can contribute to identifying other forms of illicit activity and transnational crime.

Commander Joint Operations Vice Admiral Justin Jones AO CSC said Australia’s contribution reflected its 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,” VADM 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 the Pacific Maritime Security Program (PMSP).

The PMSP provides a broader framework of maritime security capabilities, infrastructure, sustainment, training and coordination across its 16 partner nations.

The deployment highlights how Australia’s regional security contribution increasingly extends beyond traditional military operations.

By providing aircraft, surveillance capabilities, information sharing and personnel alongside Pacific partners, the ADF is helping strengthen the ability of Pacific nations to monitor and protect their own maritime domains.

For Australia, these operations also provide valuable opportunities to develop interoperability, strengthen relationships with regional security agencies and build a shared understanding of the maritime environment.

The result is a model of regional security based not simply on Australia’s military presence but on Pacific-led operations supported by Australian and international capabilities – strengthening the resilience and sovereignty of Australia’s closest regional partners.

Stephen Kuper

Author

Steve has an extensive career across government, defence industry and advocacy, having previously worked for cabinet ministers at both Federal and State levels.

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