Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) officers are better equipped to detect and respond to border security threats after completing advanced surveillance and small boats training delivered by the Australian Defence Force (ADF) under Exercise Coastwatchers.

Exercise Coastwatchers is the premier training exercise between the ADF and the RSIPF. This year’s courses ran across Guadalcanal, Western, Choiseul and Isabel Provinces, giving officers hands-on experience in the environments where they are most likely to operate.

The Border Surveillance and Small Boats courses, including advanced training streams, focused on projecting police capability into remote locations. Participants learned to plan and carry out surveillance missions, gather and assess intelligence, and coordinate responses to suspected criminal activity.

Officers also trained on advanced Parrot drones for monitoring areas of interest. They practised analysing information and reporting it back to headquarters, and linking surveillance work with wider police operations.

Instruction combined classroom sessions with realistic field-based scenarios, so participants could apply new skills in conditions similar to those they encounter on duty. The emphasis was on using technology to improve situational awareness and on clear communication with headquarters to support decision-making and coordinated action.

Solomon Islands has one of the largest maritime areas in the Pacific, which makes effective border surveillance central to protecting the nation’s resources and communities. The course was designed to strengthen the RSIPF’s ability to safeguard maritime resources, monitor borders and combat transnational crime, including the trafficking of illicit drugs. The skills gained will help officers identify and respond to illegal activity, including cross-border crime.

Acting Defence Adviser to Solomon Islands, Squadron Leader Brett Verity, said the training was designed to help the RSIPF operate effectively across the country and respond to emerging security challenges.

“Solomon Islands faces unique border security challenges across a large maritime area, and effective surveillance is critical to protecting communities and national resources,” Squadron Leader Verity said.

“This training has equipped RSIPF officers with advanced skills in surveillance planning, drone operations, information reporting and operational coordination, helping them respond effectively to potential threats wherever they occur.”

Exercise Coastwatchers reflects the longstanding partnership between the ADF and the RSIPF, delivering practical training that builds operational capability and supports security outcomes for Solomon Islands communities.

This iteration of the exercise began on 31 August and runs until 23 September.