The Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) has declared all its installations off-limits to drones, announcing a blanket “no-fly zone” for unmanned aircraft and warning that unauthorised flights will be met with enforcement action. In a statement released today, Chief of Staff Brigadier General Sapenafa Motufaga said the measure is intended to protect military personnel, infrastructure and public safety.
“The unauthorised operation of drones over RFMF installations poses a potential risk to the safety and security of the RFMF,” Brig‑Gen Motufaga said, urging compliance with Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji regulations. He added that the military will deploy counter-drone measures “to detect, deter and neutralise unauthorised aerial activity that may pose a security threat.”
The declaration covers every RFMF facility, Motufaga said, and is being framed as part of broader efforts to safeguard national security and maintain public confidence. While the statement did not detail the specific technologies or tactics the military will use, the term “counter-drone measures” indicates an active posture beyond simple warnings, and Motufaga made clear the military is prepared to respond to perceived threats from the air.
The RFMF’s announcement underscores growing sensitivity around aerial risks at military sites. The forces have previously been the focus of public attention following high-profile events at the Queen Elizabeth Barracks in Nabua, Suva, where military ceremonies and reconciliation programs attracted scrutiny. Military officials said the no-fly directive is aimed at preventing incidents that could endanger personnel or disrupt operations.
The military also called on drone operators to act responsibly and to follow existing rules administered by the Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji. CAAF regulations govern where and how recreational and commercial drones may fly; the RFMF reiterated that operators should avoid restricted areas and seek authorisation where required. Failure to comply, Motufaga warned, could prompt detection and neutralisation measures by defence forces.
The move follows international trends in which armed forces and critical infrastructure operators have tightened controls on unmanned aerial systems amid concerns over safety, espionage and the potential use of drones in attacks. For Fiji, the RFMF’s statement signals a clearer boundary between civilian drone activity and military security interests, and represents a concrete change in enforcement rhetoric from the defence establishment.
For now, the RFMF has limited its public comments to the broad declaration and the warning of countermeasures. Drone operators and members of the public are being urged to familiarise themselves with CAAF guidance and to respect the newly declared restrictions around military sites to avoid enforcement action.
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