An Australian defense vessel delivered two donated fire trucks to Tonga’s emergency services yesterday, strengthening fire-fighting capabilities.

The 103-metre vessel ADV Reliant, operated by the Royal Australian Navy, arrived in Nuku‘alofa to hand over the vehicles as part of Australia’s long-standing support in the Pacific.

Image: Australian High Commission in Tonga

The trucks join a fleet of at least 28 appliances donated by the South Australian Metropolitan Fire Service (MFS) to the Tonga Fire & Emergency Services (TFES) over a 20-year partnership. The alliance began after MFS assessed Tonga’s limited resources: at one point firefighters operated with only four jackets for 50 personnel.

Australia’s Pacific support vessel programme says the Reliant is deployed around 300 days a year to deliver aid, maritime surveillance and disaster-relief equipment across the region. TFES sees the new equipment as critical for safeguarding lives, livelihoods and reducing economic losses from fire and other emergencies in Tonga.

The donation highlights Australia and Tonga’s shared commitment to emergency preparedness amid climate-driven risks in the Pacific.