New Zealand Deploys USVs for Maritime Surveillance in Fiji

• •New Zealand deployed USVs to Fiji for maritime surveillance.
• •137 suspicious vessels were identified during the operation.
• •The USVs operate continuously using renewable energy sources.

New Zealand has deployed uncrewed surface vessels (USVs) to enhance maritime security in Fiji's exclusive economic zone (EEZ) at the request of the Fijian government. The USVs, named Tahi and Rua, conducted a four-week surveillance operation, identifying 137 vessels of interest. These vessels are powered by renewable energy sources, allowing them to operate continuously without resupply. The mission aims to assist Fiji in monitoring illegal fishing and drug trafficking activities. The deployment is part of broader regional security efforts to address maritime crime in the South Pacific. The Royal New Zealand Air Force transported the USVs to Fiji, where they were launched from Vuda Marina. The operation is expected to improve the understanding of maritime traffic patterns and enhance Fiji's capability to respond to illicit activities.