Royal New Zealand Navy deploys USVs to Fiji EEZ waters

The Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) has deployed two recently acquired unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) to Fiji's exclusive economic zone (EEZ) waters as part of an annual regional security cooperation activity.

The USVs, which were acquired and are being operated jointly by the New Zealand Defence Force and the New Zealand Customs Service, will be deployed for three months in support of Operation Calypso, wherein they will assist the Republic of Fiji Navy in identifying and tracking suspicious vessels in EEZ waters.

The 7.4-metre USVs use solar, wind or wave motion to power their monitoring systems and propulsion. Each craft has a top speed of five knots and can operate at sea for a significant period of time before returning to shore.

The craft's sensors include radar and electro-optic and infrared cameras.

The USVs were purchased following a successful seven-month trial last year. The craft were formally named Tahi and Rua during a ceremony at Devonport Naval Base in April.