Wings bring much-needed aid

The ADF has mobilised to support Solomon Island communities in the wake of severe Tropical Cyclone Maila.

Working with the Solomon Islands National Disaster Management Office and DFAT, the ADF delivered humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) stores, and is conducting damage assessments of critical Solomon Islands infrastructure.

Residents said the delivery of stores had been critical to impacted communities.

“This cyclone was far more destructive, and its impacts are unlike anything our relatives and family in the village have ever experienced,” local community member Brian Soma said.

“The biggest challenge now is the damage to food gardens and buildings. Relatives have had to travel to buy bulk supplies like rice to share around the village, because the rain has wiped out their gardens.

“The arrival of much-needed supplies from Australia will ease the pressure on food while people rebuild their gardens, restore their food sources, and repair damaged infrastructure so they can get back on their feet.”

At the request of the Solomon Islands Government, Australia’s support integrates the Australian Aid Program and the Defence Cooperation Program (DCP).

RAAF airlift operations have been central to the effort, bridging critical logistics gaps and enabling the delivery of HADR. Airlift was provided by a 36SQN C-17A Globemaster III and a 35SQN C-27J Spartan.

In addition to moving stores and personnel, RAAF assets are conducting aerial damage assessments, helping Solomon Islands authorities and DFAT to better understand the scale of the impact and refine the prioritisation of aid delivery.

Operating from key regional hubs, the C-17A Globemaster transported bulk humanitarian stores and equipment from Australia into the Solomon Islands. The C-27J Spartan then distributed these supplies into remote and austere locations, where damaged infrastructure and flooding have resulted in limited access.

LAC Daniel Shaw, from 23SQN, said RAAF’s mobile air load team had been getting supplies to where they were needed most.

“The C-27J is an incredible aircraft, able to land on short, austere airstrips across the Solomon Islands and in remote communities where aid is vital,” LAC Shaw said.

“Watching local kids and families gather to meet the aircraft and help unload has been amazing – I joined the ADF for humanitarian missions like this, and it’s been incredibly rewarding.”

Delivered under the Australian Aid Program, supplies include shelter and hygiene kits, tarpaulins and community tents – critical items supporting immediate recovery and community resilience in the cyclone’s aftermath.

Australian Defence Adviser to the Solomon Islands, RAN CAPT Emma Griffiths, said that through the DCP, these efforts contributed to longer-term capacity building and strengthened disaster response coordination between both nations.

“This is a practical demonstration of the Defence Cooperation Program in action – working side-by-side with our partners to deliver immediate outcomes while strengthening long-term resilience and coordination,” CAPT Griffiths said.

Solomon Islands officials welcomed the support, highlighting the importance of timely assistance.

“The impact of Tropical Cyclone Maila has been significant for many of our communities, particularly in remote areas in Western and Choiseul Provinces,” National Disaster Council Chair David Hiriasia said.

“Australia’s support has enabled faster delivery of essential supplies and helped us reach communities who were otherwise difficult to reach.

“The Solomon Islands-Australia partnership is important not only for immediate recovery, but also for strengthening our preparedness for future disaster events.”