The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) is set to transform its sovereign maritime security capability with the arrival of two state-of-the-art Naiad vessels.
The boats were delivered through a partnership with the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and the Australian Defence Cooperation Program.
The new vessels, designed for speed and versatility, will enable RSIPF officers to respond faster and more effectively to emergencies across the country’s vast maritime domain.
Capable of operating within 30 nautical miles of shore, the Naiads will complement the Guardian-class patrol boats by taking on near-shore missions such as search and rescue, medical evacuations, and law enforcement.
These vessels form part of the deep and long-standing Solomon Islands-Australia maritime security partnership, which includes the gifting and ongoing support for the two Guardian-class patrols boats – RSIPV Gizo and RSIPV Taro – as well as a fleet of brand-new Striker aluminum long boat fast craft, upgrades to Aola Wharf, and ongoing maritime surveillance support.
The new RSIPF boats will be similar in type to Naiad vessels operated by, among others, the AFP, Northern Territory Police and the Australian Defence Force’s 51 Far North Queensland Regiment, as well as the Vanuatu Police Force.
These vessels have been purpose-built to operate in the Pacific region in line with the shared training and procedures used across Pacific Islands countries, including Solomon Islands.
“These highly capable vessels are built in the Pacific, for the Pacific,” Acting High Commissioner Andrew Schloeffel said on Thursday.
“Just like the successful Guardian Class Patrol Boat program, the Naiad vessels will enable Solomon Islands to operate with its Pacific partners to manage the Pacific region’s security challenges.”
“The Naiads are a game-changer for RSIPF and Solomon Islands’ maritime security,” said AFP Commander Hall O’Meagher.
“These vessels will give officers the tools to respond quickly, support communities, and keep our seas safe.”
RSIPF leadership echoed the sentiment, describing the acquisition as a strategic step toward modernizing the force.
“These vessels will greatly improve our ability to respond to emergencies, enforce maritime laws, and protect our people,” Superintendent Nevol Soko, Director of RSIPF Maritime, said.
“The partnership with AFP ensures our officers are fully trained and ready to operate these new assets effectively.”
RSIPF Assistant Commissioner Francis Ramoni added that the project reflects the strength of the partnership between RSIPF, AFP, and the Defence Cooperation Program.
“The new Naiad vessels mark another step forward in building a modern and capable RSIPF,” he said.
“They will enhance our ability to safeguard borders, conduct search and rescue, and support connecting our communities across our vast maritime nation.
“Through this project, the partnership between RSIPF, AFP, and the Defence Cooperation Program continues to deliver meaningful outcomes, strengthening our maritime capability and reflecting the professionalism, resilience, and pride of our officers.”
Training is already underway, with 18 officers completing the Basic Safety Course and five maritime officers receiving advanced Master and Engineering qualifications. Another 23 officers will undergo hands-on vessel familiarisation in March 2026.
Equipped with shock-mitigating seating, weather protection, towing capabilities, and onboard accommodation, the Naiads—supported by a Kubota tow vehicle—are expected to significantly enhance RSIPF’s ability to safeguard borders and connect communities across the Solomon Islands.
The vessels are scheduled to enter service in early 2026, once again raising the bar for maritime safety and efficiency in the region and ensuring RSIPF has the sovereign capabilities it needs to keep Solomon Islanders safe and secure.
– AHC
