Should PNG Seek Patrol Boats from Israel? Lessons from Fiji's Engagement

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In recent developments, Fiji has reaffirmed its deepening ties with Israel, emphasizing the importance of bilateral cooperation in agriculture, security, climate action, and peacekeeping. Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s discussions with Israel’s Foreign Minister Sa’ar Gideon Moshe, on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference, highlighted the significant strides both nations have made since establishing diplomatic relations in 1970. Among the key outcomes was Israel’s pledge to support Fiji’s naval security by providing patrol boats, building on previous assistance in the late 1980s. This raises an intriguing question for PNG: Should it follow Fiji’s lead and request patrol boats from Israel to bolster its maritime security?

A screenshot of the announcement about the strengthening of bilateral ties on the Fijian Government's Official Facebook page.

Both Fiji and PNG have historical and contemporary ties with Israel, though their relations differ in depth and focus. Fiji has long leveraged its relationship with Israel to address pressing challenges like climate change and regional security, including supporting peacekeeping missions where Fijian forces have operated in the Middle East under UN mandates. PNG’s engagement, however, has been more episodic, often linked to religious affinity and political symbolism, such as its decision to open an embassy in Jerusalem, announced in 2023. While the embassy move demonstrated PNG’s commitment to closer ties, it has yet to translate into tangible, multi-sectoral cooperation akin to Fiji’s achievements.

One key difference lies in the strategic use of bilateral relations. Fiji has actively positioned itself as a recipient of Israeli expertise, particularly in areas where Israel excels, such as agricultural innovation and climate adaptation. This pragmatic approach has resulted in visible outcomes, including Israel’s provision of military hardware like patrol boats. Conversely, PNG’s engagement with Israel has been more focused on political gestures than on leveraging Israel’s technological or security capabilities. This could be an opportunity for PNG to recalibrate its relationship with Israel and focus on substantive areas of cooperation.

For PNG, maritime security is an urgent issue. With a vast EEZ and persistent threats such as illegal fishing, transnational crime, and drug trafficking, PNG’s naval capabilities remain overstretched. In this context, patrol boats from Israel could provide much-needed reinforcement. Israel’s experience in designing coastal and offshore patrol vessels tailored to combating maritime threats aligns with PNG’s security priorities. Fiji’s recent success in securing such support demonstrates that Israel is open to requests from Pacific Island nations with shared strategic concerns.

A direct link can be drawn between this discussion and my chapter on maritime security in Blue Security in the Indo-Pacific. I argue that Pacific Island states, including PNG, must diversify their partnerships and secure tailored security assistance to address maritime challenges effectively. Israel, with its proven track record in coastal defense and high-tech innovations, presents an underutilized partner for PNG. Securing patrol boats would align with PNG’s broader strategy of enhancing its maritime domain awareness and operational readiness in its EEZ.

However, there are challenges to consider. Fiji’s diplomatic leverage with Israel stems from decades of consistent engagement, including its commitment to UN peacekeeping in the Middle East. PNG would need to establish a similar pattern of reliable partnership to secure such tangible benefits. Additionally, PNG must demonstrate a clear strategy for integrating any assistance into its broader maritime security framework. Merely acquiring patrol boats without the infrastructure, personnel, and training to maintain and operate them effectively risks undermining the potential benefits of such an initiative.

PNG’s approach to Israel should also take a broader perspective. Beyond patrol boats, Israel’s expertise in agriculture, water management, and renewable energy aligns with PNG’s development priorities. A multifaceted partnership would not only deepen bilateral ties but also create long-term benefits for PNG’s economy and society. As Fiji has shown, aligning requests with Israel’s strengths and Pacific needs can yield significant dividends.

In conclusion, PNG can draw valuable lessons from Fiji’s relationship with Israel, particularly in the area of security cooperation. Requesting patrol boats could mark a new chapter in PNG-Israel relations, signaling a shift from symbolic gestures to practical outcomes. However, this must be part of a broader, well-coordinated strategy to ensure sustainable and effective maritime security. Such an approach would align with PNG’s national interest and reinforce its role as a responsible maritime stakeholder in the Pacific

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