VOEA Late Strengthens Tonga’s Watch Over Its Seas
The Tonga Royal Navy has welcomed its newest vessel, the VOEA Late, at Masefield Naval Base this week. The official handover marked an important step in strengthening Tonga’s maritime capability and its ability to safeguard the nation’s vast ocean territory.
The landing craft, gifted by Australia, is the largest of its kind ever to be operated by the Tonga Royal Navy. For a country whose maritime domain far exceeds its land area, Late represents more than just a new vessel — it is a tool for both security and service to communities across the Kingdom.
At the ceremony, attended by His Royal Highness Crown Prince Tupouto‘a ‘Ulukalala, Australia’s High Commissioner to Tonga, HE Brek Batley, highlighted the significance of the delivery:
“As a maritime nation, Australia understands Tonga’s challenge in securing its vast ocean. That is why we are committed to supporting Tonga protect its maritime boundaries. Late is the largest landing craft ever to be operated by the Tonga Royal Navy. She has been tailored to Tonga’s needs, with two deck cranes, two light utility boats, and the endurance to reach every corner of this Kingdom’s vast maritime domain.
With this new capability, His Majesty’s Armed Forces are better equipped not only to safeguard Tonga’s sovereignty, but also to provide life-saving assistance to communities at home, and to extend help to Pacific neighbours when disaster strikes.”
For the Tonga Royal Navy, the vessel is more than an addition to the fleet. The crew, who recently completed specialised training in Tasmania, now take charge of a ship designed to meet Tonga’s operational needs. “This ship means we can finally go further and do more for our people,” one officer told Tonga Independent News, reflecting on the significance of the handover.
The arrival of Late comes as Tonga faces growing maritime challenges — from illegal fishing vessels testing the boundaries of its Exclusive Economic Zone, to the spread of drug trafficking networks in the wider Pacific. The presence of the Australian Federal Police (AFP) in Nuku‘alofa complements these maritime efforts by supporting local authorities in tackling transnational crime.
The handover is part of Australia’s Pacific Maritime Security Program, a long-term initiative that has delivered patrol boats, training, and aerial surveillance across the region. For Tonga, however, the importance lies in what Late can do on the water: respond when cyclones strike, deliver supplies to remote communities, and patrol the seas that sustain the nation.
