Australian Government hands over two new aluminium fast boats to the Royal Soloman Islands Police Force

According to a recent report, the Australian Government has delivered two more new special purpose aluminium fast boats to the Royal Soloman Islands Police Force (RSIPF). The 9.2 metre long plate aluminium hull longboats will assist the latter for maritime surveillance and support its delivery of remote policing.

The new high-speed boats are able to operate in conjunction with larger patrol boats and coordinate with aerial surveillance. They can also operate in shallow waters, enhancing the RSIPF fast response capabilities in hard to reach areas.

Australia’s Defence Cooperation Program will provide training, maintenance, and sustainment support to ensure that the new aluminium boats are a long-lasting capability for the RSIPF.

Australian High Commissioner Dr Lachlan Strahan, who officially handed over the boats, noted that besides these two new boats, two aluminium fast boats were gifted to the RSIPF in 2020 to boost operations at the western border, including in relative to the COVID-19 preparedness.

“Through the pandemic, we have pivoted together, working closely with the RSIPF to support increased operations in preparedness and response to COVID-19,” said Dr Strahan.

He added, “This year we also look forward to commencing construction of the Western Border Patrol Boat Outpost as announced by our Prime Ministers in October 2019.”

Permanent Secretary (PS) in the Ministry of National Security and Correctional Services Karen Galokale said at the handover, “I wish to assure the Australian Government that our relationship is one built on trust and respect. We are a country that seen much security and law and order needs, and Australia has always been a partner that has never faltered in its support.”

The two new boats cost approximately SBD 2.4 million (AUD400,000) in addition to training and maintenance funding support.