The Tonga Defence Services is otherwise known as Tonga's Ministry of Defence. The Tonga Defence Services is comprised of TDS HQ, Joint Force HQ, Territorial Forces, Land Force, Tonga Navy, Training Wing, Air Wing and Support Unit.
FUNCTIONS & DUTIES:
The TDS functions and duties are specified in the TDS Act 1992, Privy Council Decision and Defence Board Decision. In Section 5, Part II of TDS Act 1992 the following functions and duties are specified:
- The defence of the Kingdom;
- The Aid of civil authorities in maintenance of order in the Kingdom;
- The support of civil authorities; and
- Those other functions and duties that His Majesty may from time to time determine.
In addition to the above functions and duties, the Privy Council Decision in 1995, directed that Tonga Defence Services is to raise capability for Counter Terrorism Operations.
Furthermore, the Defence Board Decision No. 4/04 of 17 September 2004, directed that the Tonga Defence Services contribute to the United Nations operations in accordance with the principles of the United Nations Charter.