The Australian Defence Force has rapidly mobilised to support Solomon Islands communities following the devastating impact of severe Tropical Cyclone Maila.

Working in close coordination with the Solomon Islands National Disaster Management Office and Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), the ADF’s support centred on the delivery of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief stores, as well as damage assessments of critical Solomon Islands infrastructure. 

Solomon Islands residents said the delivery of stores was providing much-needed support 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,” said local community member Brian Soma. 

“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). This approach ensures assistance is aligned with national priorities while strengthening local response capacity. 

'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.'

Royal Australian Air Force airlift operations have been central to the effort, bridging critical logistics gaps and enabling the delivery of essential humanitarian supplies to affected communities. Airlift has been provided by C-17A Globemaster III aircraft from 36 Squadron and C-27J Spartan aircraft from 35 Squadron, delivering both strategic and tactical capability across the island chain. 

In addition to moving stores and personnel, RAAF assets are also conducting aerial damage assessments of affected areas, 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 transported bulk humanitarian stores and equipment from Australia into the Solomon Islands. The C-27J Spartan then distributed these supplies to remote locations, where damaged infrastructure and flooding have resulted in limited access. 

“Our mobile air load team are providing support using forklifts to load and distribute cargo onto the C‑27J, getting supplies where they’re needed most,” said Leading Aircraftman Daniel Shaw, of 23 Squadron.

“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.

“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, and tarpaulins and community tents – critical items supporting immediate recovery and community resilience in the cyclone’s aftermath. 

'Our role is to support a Solomon Islands-led response, ensuring assistance is delivered in line with their priorities.'

Australia’s Defence adviser to the Solomon Islands, Navy Captain Emma Griffiths, said that through the DCP these efforts also contribute to longer-term capacity-building and strengthen disaster response coordination between both nations. 

“Our role is to support a Solomon Islands-led response, ensuring assistance is delivered in line with their priorities,” Captain Griffiths said. 

“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. 

“We have an enduring relationship with Solomon Islands, and operations like this reinforce the trust, interoperability and shared commitment to regional security.” 

Solomon Islands officials have welcomed the support, highlighting the importance of timely assistance to impacted communities. 

“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.” 

This integrated response underscores Australia’s enduring commitment to supporting Pacific partners, with the ADF providing scalable capabilities in support of civilian-led, DFAT-coordinated humanitarian operations. 

While assessments of Tropical Cyclone Maila’s full impact continue, early indications point to significant damage to housing, infrastructure and essential services. Australian support will remain adaptive, guided by Solomon Islands priorities as recovery efforts progress. 

The operation highlights the strength of the Australia-Solomon Islands partnership, built on mutual respect, shared security interests and a longstanding commitment to regional resilience.