On this page:

• A short History
• Tuvalu Security
• Maritime Surveillance
• Security Partnerships
• Falepili Union
• Regional Engagement
• Disaster response

A Short History

As a British colony during World War II, the Allied forces sought forward bases the islands for air and naval operations against Japanese forces. In 1942 the United States (US) constructed Naval Base Funafuti on the atoll of Funafuti. The installation included a seaport, seaplane base, PT-boat facilities, an airstrip, and a 76-bed hospital. During the war, the islanders assisted the American forces with building airfields on Funafuti, Nanumea, and Nukufetau and unloaded supplies from ships as they arrived.

The presence of the US military left a lasting impact on Tuvalu. The islands received new infrastructure, including a much-needed seaport, and the locals were introduced to modern logistics, communications, food products, and a range of other goods. On the downside, thousands of coconut and breadfruit trees were cleared from prime agricultural land to make way for construction.

Wartime wreckage and relics are still visible on some islets to this day. One of the most notable is the amphibious assault ship USS LST-203, which was grounded on the reef at Nanumea in October 1943 when offloading equipment. The Seabees (officially known as Naval Construction Battalions ("CB")) also blasted an opening in the reef at Nanumea, which became known as the 'American Passage'.

Remains of WWII United States Nacy LST-203. Tuvalu

After WWII, the Ellice Islands were administered as part of the Gilbert and Ellice Islands Colony until the 1974 referendum, and subsequent declaration of independence. Upon achieving independence on 1 October 1978, Tuvalu inherited the classic small-state security profile: minimal indigenous defence forces and substantial reliance on international partnerships.

Internal policing, customs, maritime administration, and disaster management were built as civil structures rather than military forces. The new state’s foreign policy emphasised sovereignty, multilateral engagement, and development cooperation to secure technical and material assistance for external security needs.

Tuvalu Security

Tuvalu has no regular armed forces. Domestic security lies with the Tuvalu Police Force (TPF), which also includes a Maritime Surveillance Unit (MSU). The MSU is responsible for patrolling the nation’s waters, enforcing fisheries regulations and undertaking search-and-rescue tasks. Because the TPF is small, it’s focus is primarily law enforcement, border control, and supporting civil authorities during emergencies.

Maritime Surveillance

Given Tuvalu’s enormous exclusive economic zone (EEZ) relative to its land area, maritime surveillance is a security priority. Australia’s Pacific Patrol Boat program and its successor, the Guardian-class program, has supplied Pacific Island states with patrol vessels and support. In 2019 Tuvalu received a Guardian-class patrol boat (Te Mataili II), which was damaged beyond economic repair in 2023. A replacement Te Mataili III was delivered in 2024. These vessels are operated by Tuvaluan crews under the police maritime unit and are essential for fisheries enforcement (protecting license income); combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing (IUU); and conducting maritime search and rescue. The boats are supported by Australian training, maintenance, and logistics.

Security Partnerships

Australia and New Zealand are Tuvalu’s principal security and development partners. Both countries provide police training, maritime logistics, disaster relief assistance, and bilateral aid.

Falepili Union

Signed in late 2023 and entering into force in August 2024, Australia and Tuvalu formalised the Falepili Union, a comprehensive partnership treaty that bundles climate adaptation, migration pathways, development assistance, and security cooperation. The most notable elements of the treaty include:

• Australia’s legally binding recognition of Tuvalu’s continuing statehood in the face of sea-level rise and lost territory.
• Commitments for practical adaptation assistance, including major funding for the Tuvalu Coastal Adaptation Project (TCAP) and other resilience measures.
• Security commitments: if Tuvalu requests assistance for a major natural disaster, health pandemic, or military aggression, Australia will respond. This includes committed funding for a National Security Coordination Centre and provision of an upgraded patrol boat for Tuvalu.
• A bespoke mobility pathway offering Tuvaluan citizens the choice to migrate to Australia (temporary or permanent pathways), with an initial allocation of 280 visas in year one, and support for cultural and settlement connections to preserve ties with home.

The Australian Defence Force (ADF) provided maritime surveillance support to Vanuatu, Tuvalu and Kiribati to help detect and deter illegal fishing activity – Defence Image Library

An explosive remnant of war identified in Nanumea, Tuvalu during Operation Render Safe 2022 – Defence Image Library

Regional engagement

While other nations do not have a direct security agreement with Tuvalu, development partnerships indirectly provide support through improved infrastructure, resilience funding, and development assistance – all of which have security implications.

Tuvalu participates in Pacific regional security and fisheries institutions; notably the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), the Coral Sea / regional defence dialogues, the Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA), and the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC). These bodies facilitate cooperative approaches to maritime security, disaster response, and capacity building.

Disaster response

Climate change is the major security threat. Sea-level rise, coastal erosion, saltwater intrusion, and more frequent extreme events threaten infrastructure, habitability, and food/water security.

Tuvalu’s disaster response capacity is built around civil authorities (police, health services, and national disaster committees), with regional standby support from Australia, New Zealand, and other regional organisations. The Falepili Union formalises rapid assistance mechanisms for disasters, while existing partnerships provide aerial and maritime logistics, medical evacuations, and emergency relief.

For more information on Tuvalu security, see the resources below:

Video

• The Maritime Miracle of Tuvalu

Articles

• Sea Shepherd on anti-poacher patrol in Tuvalu
• AFP and Pacific police launch regional hub and global training centre in Brisbane | Australian Federal Police
• Australia-Tuvalu Falepili Union treaty | Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
• Australia, Tuvalu lay out terms of landmark climate and security pact - ABC News
• The bittersweet offer of Australia for some Tuvalu citizens | SBS News
• Tuvalu: A Study of Military History