New Caledonia's representatives in France's legislature have welcomed a decision by Paris to provide new patrol boats.
New Caledonia Photo: RNZ Pacific
In a statement, the three Caledonia Together politicians in the French National Assembly and the Senate said it was excellent news to see that their calls for a replacement of the aging vessels have been heeded.
The French navy will acquire six 70-metre ships, two of whom will be deployed in New Caledonia and two in French Polynesia.
The ships will be equipped with advanced technology and can operate without refuelling for a month.
The statement said these ships would help protect territorial waters, safeguard fish stocks and counter the intrusion of pirates from Asia.
The decision for the upgrade comes just weeks before New Caledonia votes on whether it wants to assume full sovereignty, including control over defence.
