Fijian Soldiers Enhance Combat Skills in Queensland Through Joint Diamond Dagger Exercise

A contingent of 130 Fijian soldiers has recently completed a high-level live-fire training operation in Queensland, marking a significant step in the regional partnership between Fiji and the Australian Defence Force (ADF). The annual Diamond Dagger exercise provided the Fijian troops with intensive training in modern combat scenarios, including the rapidly evolving field of drone warfare. Major Jeremaia Lakoinavuli, one of the 130 soldiers participating in the training, told ABC’s Pacific Beat that the exercise allowed the contingent to expand their expertise beyond their traditional focus. While the Fijian forces typically concentrate on jungle operations and peacekeeping missions, the Diamond Dagger exercise enabled them to sharpen their focus as combat-effective soldiers. Major Lakoinavuli noted that the progression from individual skills to fire teams culminated in a successful live-fire activity, which he described as a significant achievement for the company. A major component of this year's training was adapting to the technological shifts in global conflict. Soldiers practiced defending against various types of war drones, a skill set increasingly vital in modern defense. ADF Sergeant Brendan Schmitt highlighted that the exercise incorporated realistic trench lines similar to those currently seen in international conflict zones like Ukraine to ensure the troops are prepared for rapidly advancing technology. The engagement reflects a ramping up of Australian Defence Force cooperation with Pacific partners. By embedding with the ADF, the Fijian soldiers were able to refine pairs and fire team tactics, ensuring their readiness for diverse operational environments. The successful completion of the exercise on 28 July 2026 underscores the deepening professional ties and mutual capability building between the two nations' armed forces.