His Majesty's Armed Forces (Tonga)

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His Majesty's Armed Forces (HMAF) is the military of Tonga. It is composed of three operational components and two support elements (logistics and training ).

The mission of HMAF is to: "Defend the sovereignty of the Kingdom of Tonga".

The HMAF is partially supported by defence co-operation agreements with Australia, the United States, China, India, New Zealand and Fiji. The co-operation aims at capacity development through training of HMAF personnel in leadership, academic and trades while support for infrastructure development is another part of the security co-operation.

Since 2001, members of HMAF have supported the coalition of the willing in Operation Iraqi Freedom, the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan, and the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands.

History

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The military history of Tonga extends from World War I to the present day, with Tonga participating in World War I, World War II, and the Afghan war, among other conflicts.<ref name="ALG3" />

Components

The main elements of *His Majesty's Armed Forces are:<ref name="HMAF_organisation">Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Joint Force HQ
Tongan Land Force
- Tongan Royal Guards
- Royal Tongan Marines
Tongan Maritime Force
Tongan Air Wing
Joint Logistics and Technical Support Unit
Services Training School
Territorial Force

Tongan Royal Guards

The Tongan Royal Guards are a company size infantry unit that are responsible for the security of His Majesty. and was established in 1860 under the Reign of King George Tupou I, The Royal Guard provides Royal Security for the monarch, Royal Palaces and members of the Royal Family of Tonga, Royal Guard participates in Ceremonial duties along with the Tonga Royal Corps of Musicians that serves as a military band for different occasions.

Royal Tongan Marines

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The Royal Tongan Marine Infantry is organized as a Company size group with a HQ and three Infantry Platoons, based at Fua'amotu.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Tongan Maritime Force

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The Maritime Force is equipped with two Guardian-class patrol boats, provided by Australia under the Pacific Maritime Security Program, a Landing Craft and a motor boat, that is the royal yacht.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> Tongan Maritime Force performs patrol missions, occasionally dealing with border violations, at the Minerva Reef and Tonga's restricted fishing zones.<ref name="ALG3">Template:Cite web</ref>

Tongan Air Wing

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On 4 May 1996 the Air Wing was created. A Beech 18 was taken into service. In 1999 a Citabria was obtained to help with training of the Beech 18.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Territorial Force

Territorial Force is a component of HMAF alongside the Regular Force and active reserve, its duties are outlined in the HMAF act 1992 and HMAF regulations 1994, The Prime mission of the Territorial Force is to maintain internal order, and provide support to civil authorities including humanitarian assistance and disaster relief

International Defence Organisations

The HMAF is a member of the following international defence organisations:

Pacific Armies Management Seminar
Pacific Area Senior Officers Logistics Seminar
Western Pacific Naval Symposium
International Hydrographic Organization
South Pacific Hydrographic Commission
NATO Codification, where though Pacific Codification System, Tonga and Fiji are sponsored by Australia

Tonga has an agreement to share "disaster response knowledge" with the United States Nevada National Guard.<ref> Template:Cite news </ref>

Ranks

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The ranks used by His Majesty's Armed Forces are similar to those used in other Commonwealth armed forces.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

Commanders

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Until 2013, commanders were called Commander of the Tongan Defence Services. After 2013, they are now called Chief of the Defence Staff of the HMAF.<ref name=":0">Template:Cite web</ref>

Equipment

Small arms

Model	Origin	Type	Calibre	Number	Notes
Handguns
Glock 17	Template:Flagu	Pistol	9×19mm Parabellum		Standard Pistol of HMAF
Submachine guns
Uzi	Template:Flagu	Sub-machine gun	9×19mm Parabellum		Donated by Israel in 1988.<ref name=Capie>Template:Cite book</ref> Used by Tongan Royal Guard and Tongan Maritime Force
Assault rifles
IMI Galil	Template:Flagu	Assault rifle	5.56×45mm		Donated by Israel in 1988.<ref name=Capie/><ref name=Capie/> Version with all Plastic furniture and minus Bipod fixture
M4A1	Template:Flagu	Carbine rifle	5.56×45mm		Standard service rifle of HMAF
Grenade Launcher Attachment
M203 grenade launcher	Template:Flagu	Grenade launcher	40 mm grenade	20	Used by Tongan Land Force
Sniper Rifle
M24 Sniper Weapon System	Template:Flagu	Intermediate range sniper rifle.	7.62×51mm NATO	10	Standard sniper rifle of HMAF
Machine guns
M249	Template:Flagu	Squad automatic weapon	5.56×45mm NATO	20	Used by Tongan Land Force
M2 Browning	Template:Flagu	Heavy machine gun	12.7x99mm NATO	6	Used by Tongan Maritime Force on Guardian-class patrol boat