RNZAF carries out surveillance work for Vanuatu agencies and FFA

The Royal New Zealand Air Force has carried out maritime surveillance and reconnaissance patrols for the Government of Vanuatu and Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) this month.

20 October, 2026

An MC-12K King Air and crew from No. 42 Squadron, supported by civilian maintainers from Jet Aviation New Zealand, was based in Port Vila for two weeks.

The crew received intelligence and taskings from the Vanuatu Police Maritime Unit, Vanuatu Transnational Crime Squad, Vanuatu Fisheries Office, Forum Fisheries Agency, and Vanuatu National Disaster Management Office (VNDMO).

Officers from the agencies were embarked for the flights, with particular interest in surveillance of “dark vessels” - those that deliberately hide their identification, location or ownership while at sea.

Four people, three in high vis, stand in front of a small grey aircraft under clouds on the flight line.

Crew of the MC-12K with Vanuatu Fisheries Officer Andrew Avock.

Several fishing vessels and pleasure craft were recorded, with information provided to the Vanuatu agencies and FFA for follow-up.

The VNDMO also requested updated imagery of the Ambrym and Ambae volcanoes, and overflight of these showed lakes and steaming fissures as well as lava erupting from the eastern crater of Ambrym.

Officer Commanding No. 42 Squadron, Squadron Leader Craig Clark, said the operation was extremely successful.

“We were able to support the Government of Vanuatu in their efforts to curb illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and transnational organised crime."

“We provided the imagery they need for evidence and to build a picture of what may be illegal activity occurring in their waters.”