RNZN Deploys 2 Bluebottle USV in Fiji for Joint Maritime Security Operations

27 Juli 2025

HMNZS Canterbury a a multi-role vessel (MRV) (photo: RNZN)

HMNZS Canterbury delivers leading-edge technology to support regional security tasks in Fiji

The Royal New Zealand Navy’s (RNZN) multi-role vessel HMNZS Canterbury has sailed into Suva for annual Operation Calypso, this time with a technologically advanced capability aboard.

Op Calypso focuses on supporting Pacific partners through a range of joint maritime security activities and HMNZS Canterbury carried into the Fijian port advanced capability in the form of Uncrewed Surface Vessels (USV) - the Bluebottles Tahi and Rua.

The autonomous vessels can conduct long-endurance operations without requiring refuelling or crew. Propelled and powered by sun, wind and wave action, the Bluebottles are ideal platforms for fishery protection, border patrols, surveillance, and the collection of oceanic and meteorological data.

The RNZN will work with Republic of Fiji Navy personnel deploying and monitoring the Bluebottles to help identify and track vessels operating suspiciously in Fiji’s exclusive economic zone - including those potentially involved in narcotics trafficking.

A Royal New Zealand Air Force No. 42 Squadron King Air aircraft will provide identification and surveillance oversight while a Fijian Navy vessel will be available to carry out boarding and seizure tasks.

Commodore Shane Arndell, the New Zealand Defence Force’s Maritime Component Commander, says the joint effort reflects the deep commitment shared by both nations to tackle common security and economic challenges.

“For many years, at the request of the Fijian government, we have conducted joint fishery patrols to ensure Fiji’s natural resources and vital revenue streams aren’t being exploited through illegal fishing by other countries. 

“Now we are confronting a criminal issue just as important but with deadly consequences,” Commodore Arndell said.

“The movement of drugs from South America through the Pacific is a very real concern and has a significant and long-lasting impact on the lives of Fijians, their families and the wider Pasifika community.

The Bluebottles Tahi and Rua (photo: RNZN) 

“All too often we see the harm these narcotics bring, so the opportunity to work with our friends and partners in the Fijian Navy to intercept and disrupt their importation is something we are committed to doing. What affects Fiji - directly affects us as well.”

The Bluebottles will be jointly monitored by Fijian Navy and RNZN personnel from the newly established Maritime Essential Services Centre in Suva.

Outside of normal operating hours, monitoring will be conducted by a team from HMNZS Matataua operating from a control room at Devonport Naval Base in Auckland.

While alongside in Suva, Canterbury crew will participate in a range of important activities, including the Southwest Pacific Heads of Maritime Forces meeting and the Fijian Navy’s 50th Golden Jubilee celebrations. 

Commodore Arndell said operations like Calypso were crucial to maintaining regional preparedness and resilience.

“Canterbury conducts these multi-faceted missions in the southwest Pacific to grow our Navy’s capabilities and maritime culture, and to strengthen the ability of our partners in this region,” he said.

“Our long-standing relationships and presence in the region positions us to respond quickly to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief events and other security-related issues —but more than that, it provides us with an opportunity to share vital maritime skills and training to partners like Fiji.

“That’s a commitment we take very seriously, to help ensure we can maintain a secure and prosperous future for all Pacific nations.”

For HMNZS Canterbury, Op Calypso follows quickly from its role in Exercise Talisman Sabre, where it transported NZ Army and Royal New Zealand Air Force personnel, equipment, armoured vehicles and aircraft to Australia for the major multinational military exercise.

(RNZN)