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The Australian government has returned Guardian Class Patrol Boat RVS Takuare to Vanuatu.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles met with Vanuatu’s Minister for Internal Affairs, Andrew Napuat, in Cairns last week for the handover.
The warship had been undergoing repairs to its hull and internal fit-out after the vessel suffered catastrophic damage during Cyclone Kevin in 2023.
“Australia is proud to continue growing our strong defence partnership with Vanuatu, working together to respond and support Vanuatu in maintaining its maritime capability to support a secure and prosperous Pacific,” Deputy Prime Minister Marles said.
“The return of RVS Takuare to Vanuatu following repairs demonstrates our shared commitment to upholding a deep and ensuring partnership, founded on our values and vision.
“We are listening to Vanuatu’s priorities and looking to match their ambition with our own. Australia welcomes the opportunity to enhance its relationship with Vanuatu through a Nakamal agreement which will cover a range of issues, including economic resilience, security and climate change,”
During his bilateral meeting with Minister Napuat, the Deputy Prime Minister reaffirmed the shared commitment of Vanuatu and Australia to develop a new Nakamal agreement.
The return of RVS Takuare marks an important milestone in Australia and Vanuatu’s maritime security cooperation under the Pacific Maritime Security Program.
The Guardian Class patrol boat capability allows Vanuatu to continue the important work of protecting Vanuatu’s sovereign maritime resources, supporting humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, responding national priorities and contributing to regional maritime security.
