RSIPF to participate in DUBAI World SWAT Challenge
Eight officers of the Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) left the country to participate in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Challenge, which will happen from 7 to 11 February 2026.
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.
Participation in the UAE SWAT Challenge is open to police officers from around the world who can be registered in teams.
The Solomon Islands is the only country in the South Pacific that will be participating in this event.
The eight RSIPF officers who participated in the SWAT Challenge successfully completed a 40-day specialized training program at the China-Pacific Island Police Training Centre (CPPTC) in China recently.
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.
Equipped with enhanced skills and a strong sense of determination, they are now on their way to Dubai to compete in the highly anticipated UAE SWAT Dubai Challenge, an event drawing global attention.
The cross-national training program was designed to align closely with the competition requirements, focusing on key events such as shooting, obstacle courses, tactical roping down, and assault tactics.
Under the expert guidance of Chinese professional instructors, the officers underwent rigorous skill refinement, physical endurance challenges, and teamwork forging.
This comprehensive training has significantly boosted their combat readiness, laying a solid foundation for showcasing the strength and expanding the influence of the Solomon Islands’ SWAT team on the international stage.
The Solomon Islands SWAT team is led by Acting Deputy Commissioner of Operations, Mr. Simpson Pogeava.
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Police media