The Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) is enhancing its maritime security capabilities through collaboration with the Indian Ocean Regional Information Sharing (IORIS) platform. A Fijian delegation, under the leadership of Deputy Commander Commodore Humphrey Tawake, participated in the 3rd High-Level IORIS Steering Committee Meeting held in Cebu, Philippines from May 20 to 24.
IORIS, funded by the European Union, provides a secure digital platform for real-time coordination and information sharing among various maritime agencies. This tool is instrumental in monitoring incidents, facilitating communication, and managing responses to threats such as illegal fishing, maritime accidents, smuggling, and environmental crises.
For the past five years, Fiji has utilized IORIS as a key communication resource among the Navy, Fiji Police, and the Fisheries Department, in conjunction with regional partners, including the Information Fusion Centre based in Singapore. Commodore Tawake emphasized that Fiji’s involvement aligns with RFMF’s strategic priorities, strengthening Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) and supporting the National Security Strategy as well as the upcoming Maritime Security Strategy.
Commodore Tawake noted, “The IORIS platform allows us to coordinate not only maritime security operations but also responses to humanitarian disasters, oil spills, search and rescue efforts, and interagency collaboration.”
The meeting also unveiled IORIS Version 4, which features enhancements based on feedback from previous deployments and is now employed by over 50 nations and more than 200 maritime agencies across the Indo-Pacific region. Beyond its security functions, Fiji recognizes the wider applications of IORIS for environmental conservation, efficient port management, and community-level coordination during emergencies.
This strategic move illustrates Fiji’s proactive approach to safeguarding its maritime environment and reinforces its commitment to collaborative efforts for regional stability. The integration of advanced communication technologies within its maritime strategy not only bolsters national security but also offers promising prospects for cooperative engagement within the broader Pacific region.
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