Cabinet approves plan for Fiji-owned aircraft fleet

Cabinet has endorsed a plan for Fiji to own a sovereign aviation capability and have its own aircraft fleet.

This is to boost national security, disaster response, and improve government services to remote communities.

Defence Minister Pio Tikoduadua told Parliament yesterday the decision followed recommendations from an interagency technical advisory board that met in April 2026, supported by Australia's Defence Pacific Air Programme (DPAP).

"Cabinet has endorsed that any future asset must be a whole of government capability that provides support across a range of government activities," Mr Tikoduadua said.

The plan covers three core priorities: maritime surveillance to combat illegal fishing and drug trafficking; rapid transport for the RFMF, police, and health teams during emergencies; and passenger and cargo services to outer islands that currently have limited access.

Fiji has been hosting rotating Australian C-27J Spartan aircraft under its Vuvale Partnership with Australia – a programme that has already taken government officials as far as Rotuma – giving Fiji a taste of what owning such capability could mean.

Opposition MP Faiyaz Koya asked whether airport and seaport infrastructure upgrades were also part of the plan.

Mr Tikoduadua confirmed they were, noting that any new aircraft –whether fixed-wing or helicopter – needed supporting facilities, including on smaller islands with limited airstrips.

Leader of Opposition Inia Seruiratu asked whether the future fleet would serve the broader Pacific region.

Mr Tikoduadua said the capability was primarily for Fiji, but consistent with Fiji's tradition of regional cooperation, neighbours could benefit – much like the Maritime Essential Service Centre.

The next step is working with Australia and the private sector to identify specific aircraft options within Fiji's budget.