Handover ceremony for the first batch of equipment through OSA (Official Security Assistance) to the Republic of Fiji Navy
2025/5/26
On 26th May 2025, the Government of Japan handed over the first batch of equipment provided through Japan’s new cooperation framework, OSA (Official Security Assistance) with overall grant aid valued at 400 million Japanese Yen (approximately FJ$6.0 million). Fiji will be the first country in the world to receive new equipment through this new cooperation.
Mr. Shunichi INOUE, Director of Security Cooperation Division, Foreign Policy Bureau, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, handed over an underwater camera unit, a rescue boat, and a water rescue training doll to the Permanent Secretary of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Mr. Mason Smith. This is the first of three batches that will be delivered through this assistance to the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) Naval Division. A rescue boat and three patrol boats will follow by next year.
OSA was established in 2023 as a new cooperation framework for the benefit of armed forces and other related organizations of recipient countries with the aim of deepening our security cooperation with the countries, creating a desirable security environment, and contributing to maintaining and strengthening international peace and security, by enhancing their security, law enforcement, and humanitarian response capabilities, including disaster response through the provision of equipment and supplies as well as assistance for the development of infrastructures.
The Republic of Fiji plays a crucial role in peace and security in the Pacific as one of the three Pacific island countries that have an armed force.