Today the Albanese Government was pleased to handover a new Guardian-class Patrol Boat, the HMTSS Te Mataili III, to Prime Minister of Tuvalu, the Hon Feleti Teo OBE.
The delivery of the vessel follows the elevation of the security partnership between Australia and Tuvalu under the Falepili Union. The vessel will strengthen Tuvalu's capability to protect its critical maritime resources.
HMTSS Te Mataili III is the 21st vessel delivered under the Pacific Maritime Security Program - Australia's 30-year commitment of uninterrupted engagement with our Pacific partners.
The Australia-Tuvalu Falepili Union Treaty entered into force in August 2024, advancing our shared interests and helping to safeguard our collective sovereignty and security.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Development, the Hon Pat Conroy MP:
"The delivery of HMTSS Te Mataili III to Tuvalu demonstrates Australia's commitment to enhancing the capabilities of our Pacific partners.
"This vessel will strengthen Tuvalu's maritime capability, as we work towards our shared vision of a peaceful, prosperous and resilient Pacific."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Defence Personnel, the Hon Matt Keogh MP:
"It is an honour to hand over HMTSS Te Mataili III to Tuvalu with their Prime Minister, the Hon Feleti Teo OBE.
"Australia is proud to be Tuvalu's primary security partner and we greatly value the enhanced partnership between our nations."
