BY MORRIS NAFU
The Royal Solomon Islands police force (RSIPF) will take part in an international special weapons and tactical (SWAT) challenge for the first time.
This international tourney takes place in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from February 7-11.
Eight officers of RSIPF left the country to participate, a statement by RSIPF yesterday said.
Solomon Islands is also the only South Pacific country to take part.
The UAE SWAT Challenge aims to strengthen cooperation between tactical teams, showcase the latest international practices in rapid response and intervention operations, and measure readiness in dealing with complex and demanding scenarios, the statement said.
Participation in the UAE SWAT Challenge is open to police officers from around the world who can be registered in teams.
The eight RSIPF officers who participated in the SWAT Challenge successfully completed a 40-day specialised training programme at the China-Pacific Island Police Training Centre (CPPTC) in China recently, the statement said.
In June 2025, the China Police Liaison Team (CPLT) to the Solomon Islands assisted the RSIPF in the selection and establishment of the first SWAT team.
CPLT delivered months of intensive training, following a remarkable SWAT capability demonstration inspected by the Honourable Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands and some cabinet members in August 2025 before the Pacific Forum Leaders Meeting in Honiara.
The cross-national training programme was designed to align closely with the competition requirements, focusing on key events such as shooting, obstacle courses, tactical roping down, and assault tactics.
The Solomon Islands SWAT team is led by Acting Deputy Commissioner of Operations, Mr. Simpson Pogeava.
Photos: RSIPF
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