The Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) has officially begun its one-week Initial Planning Conference (IPC) for the upcoming Exercise Bougainville 2026 at the Fiji Learning Institute for Public Service (FLIPS) in Nasese. The conference was inaugurated by RFMF Commander Ro Jone Kalouniwai, marking an important step in the preparations for this brigade-level exercise.
Exercise Bougainville 2026 aims to improve interoperability, enhance operational readiness, and demonstrate Fiji’s commitment to national and regional security. Colonel Penioni Naliva, Chief of Staff for the Land Force Command, underlined that the exercise will thoroughly assess key brigade functions, including operational planning, coordination, resource management, intelligence gathering, logistics, and communication systems.
Colonel Naliva emphasized, “The brigade headquarters serves as a crucial integrator of leadership and systems necessary to direct the brigade as a unified force,” highlighting the vital role of teamwork in achieving mission success.
Moreover, the exercise is designed to build relationships, enhance operational systems, and identify developmental gaps, benefiting both governmental agencies and regional partners. Commander Kalouniwai described the IPC as “the cornerstone of multi-agency and whole-of-society cooperation,” operating under the theme, “From strategy to action: defending Fiji’s people, borders, and future.”
The conference will wrap up on Friday, setting the stage for subsequent tabletop exercises and the main planning conference to be held at Black Rock Camp in Nadi. This initiative is set to strengthen Fiji’s defense capabilities and promote collaborative security efforts throughout the region, fostering a sense of unity and readiness among participating forces. Such events not only enhance military preparedness but also bolster regional relationships, contributing positively to the overall security landscape in the Pacific.