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Defence has continued to “step up” in the Pacific following the handover of a new Guardian Class patrol boat to the Kingdom of Tonga.
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The vessel, entering service with the Tongan Roval Navy as Nghahau Koula, was received in a ceremony in Western Australia with His Royal Highness, Crown Prince Tupouto'a 'Ulukalala and Captain Sione Ulakai, Deputy Chief of Defence Staff to His Majesty’s Armed Forces.
Minister for Defence, Linda Reynolds, said the replacement of the Pacific Patrol Boats is an important part of the government’s $2 billion 30-year commitment to the Pacific region under the Pacific Maritime Security Program.
“The Australian government is delivering 21 new Guardian Class Patrol Boats to 12 Pacific Island nations and Timor-Leste, as well as delivering improved maritime surveillance capability to our Pacific partners,” Minister Reynolds said.
Minister for Defence Industry, Melissa Price, highlighted the importance of the Pacific Maritime Security Program to Australian defence industry.
“The Guardian Class Patrol Boat Project supports around 400 direct and indirect Australian jobs through the supply chain and is part of our government’s wider commitment to increasing opportunities for small and medium enterprises in the Australian defence industry,” Minister Price said.
Nghahau Koula is the third Guardian Class Patrol Boat gifted under the program, with the first gifted to Papua New Guinea last year and the second to Tuvalu in April this year.
“Tonga is one of Australia’s key partners in the Pacific region and we work closely together to address regional maritime security threats,” Assistant Defence Minister and Minister for International Development and the Pacific Alex Hawke said.
“Tonga’s military plays an important and active role in the security of the region.
“The enhanced capabilities of the Ngahau Koula, together with other maritime surveillance and law enforcement operations, contribute to the Pacific community’s efforts in securing the sea.”
