Nuku’alofa, Tonga – His Excellency Mr Brek Batley, Australian High Commissioner to the Kingdom of Tonga, has handed over TOP$1.2 million in military equipment to support Tonga’s participation in next month’s Exercise Talisman Sabre, Australia’s largest international defence exercise.
For the first time, Tonga will deploy with its own kit, marking a significant step in the nation’s defence capabilities.
The 43-strong contingent, led by Major Kaufusihema (Hammer) Palefau, includes female nurses and medics, another first for Tonga’s military representation.
HC Batley expressed his excitement at meeting the HMAF soldiers, who will train alongside forces from Australia, the US, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, and New Zealand.
The event also highlighted the strong Australia-Tonga defence partnership, with Brigadier Lord Fielakepa praising the collaboration.
This follows a Chinese military task group, including three warships, conducting live-fire drills in the Tasman Sea, the body of water between Australia and New Zealand, in late February.
The exercises raised concerns in both nations, particularly as they took place within Australia’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
The drills, which surprised many Pacific Island nations, prompted commercial flight diversions due to safety precautions.
While China did not violate international law, the activities drew criticism for providing inadequate advance notice and for their unusually southern location.
