Australia and Tonga Strengthen Defence Ties with Commissioning of VOEA Late
NUKU’ALOFA, 15 October 2025 — The commissioning of the VOEA Late, His Majesty’s Armed Forces’ newest and largest landing craft, marks a major step in Tonga’s maritime capability and highlights the enduring partnership between the Kingdom and Australia.
Assistant Minister for Defence Peter Khalil represented the Australian Government at today’s ceremony at HMAF Masefield Naval Base. His Majesty King Tupou VI officially commissioned the vessel, attended by His Royal Highness the Crown Prince Tupouto’a ‘Ulukalala, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for His Majesty’s Armed Forces.
Delivered under the Albanese Government’s Pacific Maritime Security Program, the VOEA Late will strengthen Tonga’s ability to deliver humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, as well as deter, detect and disrupt illegal maritime activities across its waters and the wider Pacific region.
“This new capability ensures Tonga can respond effectively to natural disasters and maritime challenges, while continuing to contribute to regional security,” said Assistant Minister Khalil. “Australia is proud to partner with Tonga on maritime security and disaster preparedness so we can further the close relationship between our defence forces.”
The 47.1-metre VOEA Late is the third vessel in Tonga’s naval fleet and the largest ever built for the HMAF. With a cargo deck area of 265 square metres, a 100-tonne capacity and a range of 1,500 nautical miles, it can operate for extended periods without refuelling and produce up to 91 cubic metres of fresh water per day.
The vessel arrived in Tonga in late August, with Australian Defence Force personnel providing seven weeks of training to the Tongan Royal Navy crew. Australia will continue to support the vessel through a comprehensive maintenance and sustainment package to ensure its long-term operational readiness.
The commissioning follows a long history of defence cooperation between the two nations. Australia has previously gifted two Guardian-class patrol boats, the VOEA Ngahau Koula in 2019 and the VOEA Ngahau Siliva in 2020, along with infrastructure, training and coordination support. The Defence Cooperation Program, established in 1987, remains the largest partnership with His Majesty’s Armed Forces.
During the royal visit to Australia in September 2025, Tonga and Australia signed a Statement of Intent known as Kaume’a ‘Ofi, meaning close friends. The statement reflects a shared commitment to deepen cooperation based on trust, shared values and mutual support. A Cyber Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding was also signed to strengthen collaboration on emerging security challenges.
Assistant Minister Khalil said the commissioning was a powerful symbol of the enduring friendship between the two nations, adding that the Pacific Maritime Security Program represents a 30-year commitment to invest in maritime partnerships throughout the Pacific and reinforce Australia’s role as the security partner of choice for the region.
