A new landing craft, the VOEA Late, provided under the Pacific Maritime Security Program (PMSP), was delivered by Australia to Tonga on Friday, with an official handover ceremony taking place at the Masefield Naval Base, on Tongatapu.

The VOEA Late will enhance Tonga’s humanitarian assistance and disaster relief capabilities, as well as its ability to deter, detect and disrupt illegal maritime activities in the region.

The ceremony was attended by Crown Prince Tupouto‘a ‘Ulukalala, Tonga's Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for His Majesty's Armed Forces, who received the vessel on behalf of Tonga.

Australia will provide a comprehensive package of through-life maintenance and sustainment for the vessel, alongside training for Tonga Royal Navy crew members.

Defence’s First Assistant Secretary Pacific Division, Susan Bodell, said the delivery highlighted Australia’s commitment to supporting our Pacific partners’ maritime security.

“Australia and Tonga share a trusted and enduring security partnership,” Ms Bodell said.

“The delivery of the new landing craft builds on decades of partnership, and upholds our shared commitment to sovereignty, security and prosperity in the Pacific.”

The delivery follows the completion of comprehensive training undertaken by Tonga Royal Navy personnel at the Australian Maritime College in Tasmania. The training equipped the crew with the necessary skills to safely operate the vessel.

The PMSP [2] is Australia’s 30 year commitment to increase national and regional maritime security throughout the Pacific, and builds on the three decades of success in the original Pacific Patrol Boat Program.