(AseanAll)  — On October 27th, 2026, at the Behau dock in Manatuto Municipality, Timor-Leste's Minister of Defence, Rear Admiral Donaciano do Rosário da Costa Gomes “Pedro Klamar Fuik”, attended the ceremony marking the return to sea of the patrol vessel NRTL Betano after maintenance and repair work, to resume maritime patrol operations, monitor and combat illegal fishing, and protect national resources.

With the return of the Betano, both patrol vessels of this class belonging to the Naval Component of the FALINTIL–Defence Forces of Timor-Leste (F-FDTL) are once again operational. The NRTL Jaco returned to service in August of this year, following maintenance work carried out in Behau.

In his address, the Minister of Defence highlighted the significance of both vessels returning to service, stating: “Today is not merely a day of ceremony. Today is a day on which we reclaim our dignity. A day when the patrol vessel Betano returns to sea, alongside the patrol vessel Jaco, which resumed navigation a few months ago. Two vessels, two symbols, one nation.”

Donaciano Costa Gomes emphasised that the NRTL Betano and NRTL Jaco are more than physical and technical assets, symbolising Timor-Leste’s determination to maintain its maritime presence and safeguard national sovereignty within the maritime space under national jurisdiction. The two vessels are equipped to carry out missions to protect sovereignty, conduct surveillance of waters under national jurisdiction, safeguard natural resources, and support search and rescue operations.

The patrol vessels NRTL Jaco and NRTL Betano were acquired from China and have served Timor-Leste since 2010. After an extended period of maintenance and operational limitations, the Government refurbished both vessels, including work on the engines, hulls, and remaining systems and equipment essential for operation.

The Minister of Defence urged Naval Component personnel to ensure the vessels are properly maintained and to maintain operational readiness, stating: “The two vessels are not merely state assets. They represent national sovereignty at sea. Therefore, you must keep these vessels in good operational condition and ready to sail.”

During the ceremony, the Minister also announced that the Government has decided, within the framework of the 2027 General State Budget, to proceed with the acquisition of an offshore patrol vessel to bolster the F-FDTL Naval Component's operational capacity for maritime control and security.

The Minister of Defence expressed his appreciation to the engineers, technicians, sailors, officers, and national and international partners for their contributions to the recovery of both vessels.

Donaciano Costa Gomes further thanked the local authorities and population of Behau for their cooperation and hospitality shown to technicians and sailors during the maintenance period at the Behau dock.

The Commander of the F-FDTL Naval Component, Commodore Higino das Neves; officials from the Ministry of Defence; the Second General Commander of the National Police of Timor-Leste (PNTL); representatives of the Fire Service; and civil and military authorities attended the ceremony.