The Solomon Islands has marked a major policing milestone as its first Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team, established with support from China departs for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to compete in the prestigious UAE SWAT Challenge, scheduled from 7 to 11 February 2026 in Dubai.
Eight officers from the Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) will represent the country at the international competition, which brings together elite tactical teams from around the world to test rapid response capability, operational readiness and performance under complex, high-pressure scenarios.
The Solomon Islands is the only South Pacific nation participating in the event.
The officers recently completed an intensive 40-day specialised training programme at the China–Pacific Island Police Training Centre (CPPTC) in China. The training was specifically designed to align with the competition’s requirements and focused on shooting accuracy, obstacle courses, tactical roping, assault operations, physical endurance and teamwork.
The establishment of the Solomon Islands’ first SWAT team was supported and developed by China in June 2025, when the China Police Liaison Team (CPLT) to Solomon Islands assisted RSIPF in the selection process and delivered months of advanced tactical training.
The team’s growing capability was later showcased during a SWAT demonstration inspected by the Prime Minister and Cabinet Ministers in August 2025, ahead of the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Honiara in September 2025.
Under the guidance of experienced Chinese professional instructors, the officers underwent rigorous skills refinement and endurance training, significantly strengthening their combat readiness and operational coordination.
This preparation has laid a strong foundation for the team to confidently compete on the global stage.
Led by Acting Deputy Commissioner of Operations, Mr Simpson Pogeava, the Solomon Islands’ first China-established SWAT team now heads to Dubai determined to demonstrate its capabilities and elevate the country’s presence in international law-enforcement cooperation.
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