Papua New Guinea Defence Force

The PNGDF originated from the Australian Army land forces of the Territory of Papua New Guinea before independence, coming into being in January 1973 and having its antecedents in the Pacific Islands Regiment. At independence it numbered 3,750 all ranks, while another 465 Australian personnel augmented the force to assist in training and technical support.Dennis et al 1995, p. 455. In the mid-1990s, the PNG economy was in crisis with financial support provided by the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on the proviso of economic reform with the first phase in 1996 to include defence. Successive attempts to reduce the size of the PNGDF in response to the country's economic problems provoked fierce resistance. In 2000, the World Bank and the IMF provided loans with economic reform conditions and a Commonwealth Eminent Persons Group (CEPG) report recommended to government that the PNGDF strength be reduced by more than half. In March 2001, soldiers mutinied after learning the government had approved the CEPG report.{{cite news|last1=Colvin|first1=Mark|title=PNG military stand-off continues despite Govt backdown|url=http://www.abc.net.au/pm/stories/s262497.htm|access-date=24 November 2016|work=ABC Radio|date=19 March 2001|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160731065241/http://www.abc.net.au/pm/stories/s262497.htm|archive-date=31 July 2016|url-status=live}} The government capitulated after 10 days to the mutineers' demands, agreeing not to cut the army's strength. However, in 2002 it was announced that the PNGDF would be reduced from 4,000 to around 2,100 personnel. In early 2004 the government reaffirmed its commitment to implement cuts within the armed forces, with a definitive restructuring expected to take place. Chief of Staff Captain Aloysius Tom Ur told troops in January 2004 that the 2004 strength of 3,000 would be reduced by one-third, and that during 2004, the force's personnel branch would merge with the support branch into a new organisation.{{cite news | first=Robert | last=Keith-Reid | title=Papua New Guinea continues force streamlining | work=Jane's Defence Weekly | date=14 January 2004 | page=16}} Ultimately the reduction-in-size target was reached in 2009.{{sfn|Papua New Guinea Defence Organisation|2013|p=36}}

File:2688346 Papua New Guinea Defence Force (Army) and U.S. Marines exercise opening (edited).jpg

PNGDF capability is considered modest, with the army facing significant problems including a chronic budget crisis, a lack of experience in conventional operations, limited ability to be deployed independently overseas as well as internal tensions. The air force and navy also suffer major equipment and funding shortfalls—to the point of sometimes almost being grounded—and are both too small and poorly equipped to take part in operations overseas. Indeed, the entire PNGDF is badly in need of new equipment. Australia, New Zealand, France and several other nations are assisting in the training and the professionalisation of the PNGDF, while others—including Germany and China—provide budgetary assistance. Australia's aid for the PNGDF is currently worth AUD9.2 million with an additional AUD40 million committed the reform programme. AUD20 million was committed initially, mainly for paying off redundant personnel. A second tranche of AUD20 million is for the refurbishment of barracks over five years (AUD5 million). As of January 2006 29 Australian defence personnel were engaged in training and advising in areas including policy, management, maritime, infantry, engineering, personnel, logistic and finance areas of assistance. Two more Australian personnel were seconded as advisers on logistics and personnel matters in August 2006, while an Australian bureaucrat from the Department of Defence is posted to the PNG defence department. "Australia is particularly interested in supporting Port Moresby in the areas of counter-terrorism, maritime patrols and defence organisation structures and procedures."

During its history the PNGDF has sent 400 troops to assist the Vanuatu government put down a secessionist revolt in 1980 and was called out in aid to the civil power in Port Moresby in 1983. It has also conducted operations against the OPM (Organisasi Papua Merdeka or Free Papua Movement), based in Irian Barat, and which had been involved fighting the Indonesian armed forces. From 1989 to 1997 the PNGDF was involved in fighting the secessionist Bougainville Revolutionary Army (BRA) on Bougainville and Buka. During these operations the PNGDF was criticised for its treatment of civilians, human rights violations and the use of mercenaries. More recently, following the passage of a constitutional amendment allowing the stationing of the PNGDF on foreign soil, 80 personnel joined the Australia-led Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands (RAMSI) in July 2003. As of 2008 PNGDF personnel remain in the Solomon Islands as part of the scaled down, rotational Pacific contingent.

File:Adm. Walsh reviews the Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) Honor Guard (5888997591).jpg, commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, reviews a Papua New Guinea Defence Force Honor guard]]

Today, the PNGDF is a small force numbering around 2,100 personnel, and consisting of a Land Element, an Air Element and a Maritime Element. It is a joint force tasked with defending Papua New Guinea and its territories against external attack, as well as having secondary functions including national-building and internal security tasks. Defence accounts for up to 4% of government expenditure, while also receiving significant assistance and training support from Australia, New Zealand, the United States and other nations. The army is under the direct command of Headquarters PNGDF, while the air force and navy have their own commanding officers. The PNGDF is under the political oversight of the Minister for Defence.{{cite web | url = http://jwar.janes.com/public/jwar/index.shtml | title = Janes Worlds Armies – Papua New Guinea | access-date = 5 January 2009 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081218034514/http://jwar.janes.com/public/jwar/index.shtml | archive-date = 18 December 2008 }}

On 26 January 2012, military personnel under the command of the retired officer Colonel Yaura Sasa purported to arrest the commander of the Papua New Guinea Defence Force, Brigadier General Francis Agwi. It was reported that former Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare had ordered the operation in relation to his attempts to regain the leadership of the country, and had offered to appoint Sasa the commander of the PNGDF.{{cite news|title=Dumped prime minister Sir Michael Somare ordered army mutiny|url=http://www.news.com.au/world/dumped-prime-minister-sir-michael-somare-ordered-army-mutiny/story-e6frfkyi-1226254336179|access-date=26 January 2012|newspaper=News.com.au|date=26 January 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120126063129/http://www.news.com.au/world/dumped-prime-minister-sir-michael-somare-ordered-army-mutiny/story-e6frfkyi-1226254336179|archive-date=26 January 2012|url-status=live}}

In 2013, the Defence White Paper 2013 was released which called for the size of the PNGDF to be increased from 2,600 personnel to 5,000 personnel by 2017 back to the pre Reform Program level in 2002.{{sfn|Papua New Guinea Defence Organisation|2013|p=36}} Defence spending under the White Paper was to increase from 1.45% of GDP to 3% of GDP by 2017.{{sfn|Papua New Guinea Defence Organisation|2013|p=15}} The PNGDF was to be modernised under the White Paper with the Land Force to be reequipped with new weapons and equipment and vehicles, the Maritime Element was to acquire new vessels and the Air Element was to restore its fix wing fleet to flying status and acquire new aircraft.{{sfn|Papua New Guinea Defence Organisation|2013|pp=43, 45–46, 47–48}} In 2017, the Post-Courier reported that the White Paper objectives to modernise and reequip the PNGDF had not been achieved as defence spending had remained the same due to economic challenges.{{cite news |last1=Kaiku |first1=Patrick |last2=Hope Boie |first2=Faith |title=Why did PNG sign a Defence Cooperation Agreement with the US? |url=https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/why-did-png-sign-defence-cooperation-agreement-us |access-date=21 January 2024 |work=The Interpreter |publisher=Lowy Institute |date=22 December 2023}}{{cite news |title=PNGDF report headline in paper misleading: Numa |url=https://www.postcourier.com.pg/pngdf-report-headline-paper-misleading-numa/ |access-date=21 January 2024 |work=Post-Courier |date=15 December 2017}}{{cite news |title=PNG's embarrassing failed Defence White Paper |url=https://www.postcourier.com.pg/pngs-embarrassing-failed-defence-white-paper/ |access-date=21 January 2024 |work=Post-Courier |date=13 December 2017}}

File:2688381 Papua New Guinea Defence Force (Army) training with U.S. Marines (edited).jpg

The Land Element is the PNGDFs army land force, being primarily a light infantry force capable of conducting low-tempo operations only; it is the senior of the three services. The army has its origins in the Royal Pacific Islands Regiment, which was formed in 1951 as a component of the Australian Army. Since independence, the army has become an indigenous organisation with its own traditions and culture. Nonetheless, the force has adopted foreign ideas on the roles and needs of an armed force, leading to proposals for armour, artillery and attack helicopters. However, the army faces severe budgetary problems and has therefore had virtually no money for operations, training, and maintenance or capital equipment upgrades. In this context, proposals to develop the army into a well equipped, mobile conventional land force, are unlikely in the near to medium term. The army's role is to protect against external aggression, provide for internal security in support of the police, and to carry out civic action and relief operations when required. The engineer battalion is used for civic action with construction and reticulation capabilities, while the two infantry battalions also constructs roads, bridges and other infrastructure in regions where commercial companies are unwilling to work for security reasons.

The army has no significant experience in conventional operations and according to Janes it has limited ability to deploy overseas independently; "it is not effective in internal security operations and has often shown scant regard for political authority. This was illustrated in August 2006 when the PNG government declared a state of emergency in the Southern Highlands province where a proposed gas pipeline has been planned. Troops were being deployed to restore law, order and good governance in the province. In these latter circumstances it has proven to be more of a threat to the state than an asset. For reasons of cultural diversity and rivalry, terrain and transport difficulties and the reduction and retaining of the smaller army—a successful army coup would be extremely unlikely."

During the 1990s the army's main role was internal security and counter-insurgency operations in Bougainville, where a secessionist movement was attempting to bring independence. This operation—which lasted at varying levels of intensity until 1997—revealed the army's ineffectiveness, lack of training and indiscipline. The army was accused of significant human rights violations and there were indications it was operating independently of the government. Indeed, in June 1991 Colonel L. Nuia was dismissed for killing civilians and using Australian-donated helicopters to dump their bodies at sea, while in September 1993 the PNG government offered to pay compensation for Solomon Island civilians killed by PNGDF forces who had pursued BRA members across the border. The fighting in Bougainville also exposed weaknesses in command, training, discipline and force structure. Later the army was also involved in the controversial Sandline affair of 1997, when the PNGDF Commander—Jerry Singirok—blocked the use of mercenaries to destroy the revolt on Bougainville. The current restructure has focused on the removal of men of a quality now judged to have been unsuitable for the Bougainville campaign and since the end of operations there the army has, with Australian assistance, attempted to reform all aspects of its training and administration.

In the early 21st century terrorism has become increasingly a concern for Papua New Guinea policy-makers and one of the major objectives of the army for 2008 is to prepare itself to deter any attack on its sovereignty but more particularly to terrorist attacks. Equally, although the army has no history of peace support contributions, its involvement in RAMSI has proven a catalyst to determine how it could train for and be used in UN operations. Despite these efforts the army is still not in a position to provide forces with the appropriate "level of training and discipline" without significant risk, according to Janes. To be sure, however, "the army command views such deployment as their contribution to the 'economic well-being of PNG' and a way of maintaining any semblance of a proficient armed force."

As of 2015, women are permitted to serve in non-combat roles in the PNGDF's Land Element.{{cite news|title=Women in the army|url=http://www.looppng.com/content/women-army|access-date=4 July 2015|work=Loop|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150705191137/http://www.looppng.com/content/women-army|archive-date=5 July 2015|url-status=live}}

File:PNGDF soldier during a training exercise in April 2017.jpg

The Land Element is directly commanded by the Commander PNGDF, Brigadier General Gilbert Toropo, and has been significantly reduced in size due to restructuring (from 3,500 to 1,800 as of late 2007) and currently comprises the following:

• Command HQ (Port Moresby);
• two light Infantry battalions of the Royal Pacific Islands Regiment (1 RPIR at Port Moresby and 2 RPIR at Wewak);
• Long Range Reconnaissance Unit;
• one Engineer battalion (Lae);
• Signals Squadron (Port Moresby);
• EOD unit;
• Preventative Health Platoon; and
• Defence Academy (Lae){{cite news|title=Officer cadet training progressing|url=http://www.looppng.com/content/officer-cadet-training-progressing|access-date=5 August 2015|work=Loop PNG|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150828161713/http://www.looppng.com/content/officer-cadet-training-progressing|archive-date=28 August 2015|url-status=live}}

A ceremonial guard was established in 2015.{{cite news|last1=Gabina|first1=Lorraine|title=PNG Defence Force Year in Review|url=http://www.emtv.com.pg/article.aspx?slug=PNG-Defence-Force-Year-in-Review-&|access-date=28 December 2015|work=EM TV News|date=4 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304202617/http://www.emtv.com.pg/article.aspx?slug=PNG-Defence-Force-Year-in-Review-&|archive-date=4 March 2016|url-status=dead}}

The army's main bases include Port Moresby, Wewak and Lae, while company strength outstations are located at Kiunga and Vanimo. Communications centres are found at all of these locations and also on Manus island. Papua New Guinea has large areas of uninhabited jungle suitable for training. A training depot is maintained at Goldie River near Port Moresby and at Lae.

Historically the army has been poorly trained; however Australia has recently made this the focus of the Enhanced Defence Partnership programme, supplying training, advisors and equipment. New Zealand is also contributing training assistance under its Mutual Assistance Programme. Equally army personnel have in the past trained with the French in New Caledonia, while US Special Forces have occasionally undertaken joint exercises in PNG. At present, however, over 90 per cent of the budget is dedicated to pay and retrenchments, and as a consequence there is little left to fund training exercises. While most soldiers are not currently formally qualified for their rank, there are determined moves to professionalise the army after the restructure is complete. Indeed, the army has an officer training academy and a small trade training capacity, which is being boosted by Australian personnel. A small number of officer candidates also undertake training at the Royal Military College – Duntroon, in Canberra. Australian procedures are followed as a matter of course, and their influence is increasing as more joint training exercises are held.

The Long Range Reconnaissance Unit (LRRU) is a special operations capable forces unit responsible for providing long-range reconnaissance for combat patrols and reconnaissance patrols in tropical rainforests, wetlands, and in the highlands. It also have anti-irregular forces, artillery observer, clandestine and covert operations, combat search and rescue, counterinsurgency, counterterrorism, direct action on high-value targets or military strategies, executive protection, hostage rescue, irregular warfare, long-range penetration, maneuver warfare, and special warfare capabilities.{{cite web |title=Long Range Reconnaissance Unit |url=http://www.pngdefence.gov.pg/index.php/2016-05-11-12-36-38/long-range-reconnaissance-unit |website=Papua New Guinea Defence Force |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161125174323/http://www.pngdefence.gov.pg/index.php/2016-05-11-12-36-38/long-range-reconnaissance-unit |archive-date=25 November 2016 |access-date=25 November 2016 |url-status=dead }}

In 1996, the Special Forces Unit (SFU) was formed which was later renamed the LRRU.{{cite news|last1=Mou |first1=Freddy |title=PNGDF Unit marks 21st anniversary |url=http://www.looppng.com/png-news/pngdf-unit-marks-21st-anniversary-55251 |access-date=27 May 2017 |work=Loop PNG |date=25 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170514045056/http://www.looppng.com/png-news/pngdf-unit-marks-21st-anniversary-55251 |archive-date=14 May 2017 |url-status=live}} The LRRU has trained with the Australian Special Air Service Regiment (SASR) and the New Zealand Special Air Service (NZSAS) in Papua New Guinea in its long-range reconnaissance role for many years.{{cite news|title=PNG-NZ army exercise underway |url=http://www.pina.com.fj/?p=pacnews&m=read&o=152339025751ac063aea7c73e79d02 |access-date=1 November 2015 |work=Pacific Islands News Association |date=3 June 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160818091457/http://www.pina.com.fj/?p=pacnews&m=read&o=152339025751ac063aea7c73e79d02 |archive-date=18 August 2016 |url-status=dead}}

In 2014, the LRRU commenced developing a urban counterterrorism and hostage rescue capability for the APEC Summit held in 2018, it received new equipment in preparation for this.{{cite news|last1=Faiparik |first1=Clifford |title=PNGDF unit needs specialist weapons: Director |url=http://www.thenational.com.pg/pngdf-unit-needs-specialist-weapons-director/ |access-date=27 May 2017 |work=The National |date=1 July 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170707102615/http://www.thenational.com.pg/pngdf-unit-needs-specialist-weapons-director/ |archive-date=7 July 2017 |url-status=live}} The LRRU then provided a response capability for the Pacific Games in July 2015, with training provided by Australian Army Special Operations Command (SOCOMD) units and the NZSAS.{{cite news|title=Sharing skills in PNG |url=http://www.defence.gov.au/Publications/NewsPapers/Army/editions/1354/1354.pdf |access-date=1 November 2015 |work=Army: The Soldiers' Newspaper |publisher=Department of Defence |issue=1354 |date=2 July 2015 |page=7 |issn=0729-5685 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222110424/http://www.defence.gov.au/Publications/NewsPapers/Army/editions/1354/1354.pdf |archive-date=22 December 2015|url-status=live}}{{cite news |title=Long Range Recon Unit Assembled For Pacific Games |url=https://emtv.com.pg/recon-unit-assembled-for-pacific-games/ |work=EMTV |access-date=28 December 2019 |date=2 June 2015 |archive-date=18 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191218052025/http://emtv.com.pg/recon-unit-assembled-for-pacific-games/ |url-status=dead }}

The Warrior Wing established in the 1990s by United States Army Special Forces (Green Berets) consists of experienced LRRU soldiers who provide counterinsurgency, irregular warfare, and long-range reconnaissance training and coordinate exercises with foreign units.{{cite press release|title=USARPAC Commander honors Army History throughout South Pacific Region in Goodwill Tour |url=https://www.dvidshub.net/news/186241/usarpac-commander-honors-army-history-throughout-south-pacific-region-goodwill-tour |website=Defense Video & Imagery Distribution System |access-date=28 May 2017 |date=13 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180930171052/https://www.dvidshub.net/news/186241/usarpac-commander-honors-army-history-throughout-south-pacific-region-goodwill-tour |archive-date=30 September 2018 |url-status=live}}

The army is only lightly equipped—possessing no artillery, heavy weapons, anti-armour or anti-aircraft weapons. It is chronically short of equipment, maintaining just a few mortars, small arms and limited communications equipment. Because mobility is severely impaired due to PNG's mountainous geography, heavy rain forest, and the nation's underdeveloped transport infrastructure, artillery is not used by the New Guinea Defence Force.

Regardless, while the army's equipment remains largely outdated and inadequate, some new equipment was procured in late 2003 was commissioned during 2004. PNGDF has fielded a new digital satellite communications network, enabling it to communicate with its personnel on the Solomon Islands, stationed there as part of PNG's commitment to the international intervention force. The army can also now communicate securely with its personnel located at seven fixed ground stations—the barracks at Murray, Taurama, Goldie, Lombrum, Igam, Vanimo and Moem. The system also includes mobile units installed on small trucks which communicate from remote locations via the fixed ground stations. Equally in June 2007, the army received 32 new HF Barrett communication radios, at a cost of PGK800,000, in order to assist with providing security for the 2007 election.

The security of the PNGDF's weapons is also an issue, and it is alleged that various mortars, guns and small arms have been used in tribal conflicts and robberies. In response more secure armouries have been provided by Australia, however weapon security remains elusive. Further attempts to improve weapons security were implemented during 2005 with fortnightly weapon checks and making unit commanders accountable for the return of weapons, with serious action threatened for any defaults. Also, soldiers are now forbidden to carry weapons in public without specific permission.

The Chinese government donated 40 military vehicles in December 2015.{{cite news |title=Military Vehicles Still at Main Wharf |url=https://postcourier.com.pg/military-vehicles-still-at-main-wharf/ |access-date=27 December 2019 |work=Post Courier |date=8 January 2016}} In 2017–2018, China donated armoured vehicles, troop carriers, buses, mobile kitchen vans and ambulances.{{cite news |title=China supports Defence Force with K17.5 million gift |url=https://www.thenational.com.pg/china-supports-defence-force-k17-5-million-gift/ |access-date=27 December 2019 |work=The National |date=7 November 2017}}{{cite press release |title=驻巴布亚新几内亚大使薛冰出席中国援助巴新军用车辆交接仪式 |url=http://pg.china-embassy.org/chn/zbgx/t1507805.htm |website=Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Papua New Guinea |language=zh |date=6 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180714131637/http://pg.china-embassy.org/chn/zbgx/t1507805.htm |archive-date=14 July 2018 |url-status=dead}}{{cite news |last1=Nara |first1=Alexander |title=PNGDF Distributes Armory |url=https://postcourier.com.pg/pngdf-distributes-armory/ |access-date=24 April 2023 |work=Post Courier |date=4 October 2019}}{{cite AV media|title=PNGDF distributes armory and vehicles|medium=Television production|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4z8Bth2o21Q |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/4z8Bth2o21Q| archive-date=2021-12-11 |url-status=live|publisher=EMTV |access-date=27 December 2019 |date=6 October 2019}}{{cbignore}} Ten armoured vehicles were donated including four Norinco WZ-551 wheeled infantry fighting vehicles.{{cite journal |last=Connolly |first=Peter |title=The Belt and Road comes to Papua New Guinea: Chinese geoeconomics with Melanesian characteristics? |journal=Security Challenges |date=2020 |volume=16 |issue=4 |page=59 |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/26976257 |access-date=24 April 2023 |publisher=Institute for Regional Security |jstor=26976257 |issn=1833-1459}}

In May 2020, Australia donated 28 DJI Phantom drones to patrol its border with Indonesia.{{Cite web|title=PNGDF demonstrates use of drones by the reconnaissance unit|url=https://postcourier.com.pg/pngdf-demonstrates-use-of-drones-by-the-reconnaissance-unit/|date=2020-05-26|website=Post Courier|access-date=2020-05-30}}

File:Papua New Guinea roundel.svg

The Air Element is the air force branch of the PNGDF, operating a small number of light aircraft and rotary wing assets in support of army operations. Like the PNGDF in general the air force suffers from chronic equipment shortages and underfunding, but probably even more so than the other two branches.{{cite web | url = http://jwaf.janes.com/public/jwaf/index.shtml | title = Janes Worlds Airforces – Papua New Guinea | access-date = 5 January 2009 | archive-url = https://archive.today/20060312213558/http://jwaf.janes.com/public/jwaf/index.shtml | archive-date = 12 March 2006 | url-status = dead }} The role of the air force is to support army operations with transport, air re-supply and medical evacuation capabilities. In future it may also be used to bolster border security and conduct maritime surveillance missions.

The Air Element is commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Nancy Wii.{{cite news |last1=Wayne |first1=Hilda |title=PNG Defence Force appoints first female air wing commander |url=https://www.abc.net.au/pacific/programs/pacificbeat/png-military-promote/13775836 |access-date=20 January 2024 |work=Pacific Beat |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |date=1 March 2022}} It consists of the Air Transport Wing and has only one squadron—the Air Transport Squadron—with a strength of about 100 personnel, being based at Jackson Airport in Port Moresby. In recent years it has suffered from significant serviceability issues. Indeed, it only became airborne again in 2005 for the first time in five years, as funding shortages resulted in the small transport aircraft fleet being grounded for an extended period. By January 2006, one CN-235, one Arava and one UH-1H Iroquois helicopter had been made operational, with single examples of each of those three types also being returned to service by 2007.

File:PNGDF PAC-750 XSTOL.jpg

A 2003 review recommended the air force's strength be reduced to 65 personnel, a figure which the PNGDF is working towards as part of its current restructuring programme. By the end of 2004, the air force was suffering from an acute shortage of pilots, but recruitment in 2005 succeeded in raising the pilot pool to 10 by January 2006. After several years when no training was undertaken pilots are now sent to Singapore and Indonesia for instruction on simulators. Given its limited operational activity and the lack of combat equipment, little thought has been given to tactical doctrine however.

Since 2012, the Australian government has facilitated the lease of two helicopters from Hevilift PNG to provide a rotary wing capability which in 2016 was extended until 2019.{{cite press release|title=PNGDF helicopter leasing project – contract signed|url=http://png.embassy.gov.au/pmsb/2012_MR4.html|website=Australian High Commission – Papua New Guinea|access-date=24 November 2016|date=13 April 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160921061002/http://png.embassy.gov.au/pmsb/2012_MR4.html|archive-date=21 September 2016|url-status=live}}{{cite press release|title=24th Australia – Papua New Guinea Ministerial Forum – Joint Communique|url=http://dfat.gov.au/geo/papua-new-guinea/Pages/24th-australia-papua-new-guinea-ministerial-forum-joint-communique.aspx|website=Department Foreign Affairs and Trade|access-date=24 November 2016|date=3 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161125045118/http://dfat.gov.au/geo/papua-new-guinea/Pages/24th-australia-papua-new-guinea-ministerial-forum-joint-communique.aspx|archive-date=25 November 2016|url-status=live}} In February 2016, a contract was signed with New Zealand company Pacific Aerospace for four PAC P-750 XSTOL aircraft for search and rescue and surveillance and two PAC CT/4 Airtrainer aircraft.{{cite web|title=New {{sic|nolink=y|Aircrafts}} for PNGDF|url=http://www.pngdefence.gov.pg/index.php/29-news/54-new-aircrafts-for-pndf|website=Papua New Guinea Defence Force|access-date=24 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161125044937/http://www.pngdefence.gov.pg/index.php/29-news/54-new-aircrafts-for-pndf|archive-date=25 November 2016|url-status=dead}}{{cite press release|title=PNGDF signs deal for six new {{sic|aircrafts|nolink=y}}|url=http://www.aerospace.co.nz/dmnews/pngdf-signs-deal-for-six-new-aircrafts|website=Pacific Aerospace|access-date=12 March 2017|date=2 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170313044510/http://www.aerospace.co.nz/dmnews/pngdf-signs-deal-for-six-new-aircrafts|archive-date=13 March 2017|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last1=Mou|first1=Freddy|title=PNGDF signs deal for six new {{sic|nolink=y|aircrafts}}|url=http://www.looppng.com/content/pngdf-signs-deal-six-new-aircrafts|access-date=24 November 2016|work=The Loop|date=23 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161125044146/http://www.looppng.com/content/pngdf-signs-deal-six-new-aircrafts|archive-date=25 November 2016|url-status=live}} One PAC P-750 was delivered in 2018 and in 2021 with the assistance of the Royal Australian Air Force its airworthiness was restored.{{cite news |last1=Wokasup |first1=Melissa |title=PAC P-750 takes flight |url=https://www.looppng.com/png-news/pac-p-750-takes-flight-104786 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210922172854/https://www.looppng.com/png-news/pac-p-750-takes-flight-104786 |url-status=dead |archive-date=22 September 2021 |work=Loop Pacific |access-date=19 January 2024 |date=22 September 2021 }}{{cite press release |title=Boosting Papua New Guinea's aviation capability |url=https://www.defence.gov.au/news-events/releases/2023-03-02/boosting-papua-new-guineas-aviation-capability |website=Department of Defence |access-date=19 January 2024 |date=2 March 2023}} In 2023, Australia donated two new PAC P-750s to the Air Element.{{cite web |author1=Assistant Minister for Defence Matt Thistlethwaite |title=A new milestone in the defence partnership between Australia and Papua New Guinea |url=https://www.minister.defence.gov.au/media-releases/2023-11-02/new-milestone-defence-partnership-between-australia-and-papua-new-guinea |website=Department of Defence Ministers |access-date=19 January 2024 |date=2 November 2023}}{{cite press release |title=Two 750XL aircraft bound for Papua New Guinea Defence Force |url=https://www.aerospace.co.nz/news/two-750xl-aircraft-bound-for-papua-new-guinea-defence-force |website=NZAero |access-date=20 January 2024 |date=29 March 2023}}

File:PNG Defence Force CN-235 at RAAF Fairbairn.jpg at RAAF Fairbairn in Australia]]

Previous aircraft operated by Papua New Guinea consisted of the Douglas C-47, GAF Nomad, IAI-201 Arava, and the Bell UH-1 Huey helicopter.{{cite web|url= https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1997/1997%20-%202318.html|title= World Air Forces 1997 pg. 58|publisher= flightglobal.com|access-date= 4 May 2015|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180312144848/https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1997/1997%20-%202318.html|archive-date= 12 March 2018|url-status= live}} The UH-1H Iroquois helicopters and IAI Arava fixed-wing aircraft were to be retired in 2016.{{cite web|title=Commander PNG Defence Force Statement of Intent for 2016|url=http://www.pngdefence.gov.pg/images/publications/commanders_statement_of_intent_2016.pdf|website=Papua New Guinea Defence Force|access-date=24 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161125045025/http://www.pngdefence.gov.pg/images/publications/commanders_statement_of_intent_2016.pdf|archive-date=25 November 2016|url-status=dead}}

The Maritime element is the naval branch of the PNGDF, being mainly a light patrol force and is responsible for defending local waters only. It too suffers from chronic equipment shortages and underfunding.{{cite web | url = http://jwna.janes.com/JDIC/JWNA/home.do | title = Janes Worlds Navies – Papua New Guinea | access-date = 5 January 2009 }}{{Dead link|date=August 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} The navy has three primary roles: support for military operations, EEZ protection, and heavy logistic support for the army and civil society.

File:Naval Ensign of Papua New Guinea.svg

The navy is commanded by Commander Sebastian Maru{{cite AV media|title=More HMPNGS needed |medium=Television production |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p_MlBMg_gpU |publisher=EMTV |access-date=19 January 2024 |date=23 November 2023}} and consists of approximately 200 personnel{{cite web|title=CIA – The World Factbook – Papua New Guinea|url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/papua-new-guinea/ |website=The World Factbook |publisher=Central Intelligence Agency |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210109222958/https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/papua-new-guinea/ |archive-date=9 January 2021 |url-status=dead}} and is based in Port Moresby (HMPNGS Basilisk) and Manus Island (HMPNGS Tarangau) and currently comprises the following:

• Four {{sclass|Guardian|patrol boat|0}} patrol boats (supplied by Australia){{cite news |last1=Finkeo |first1=Marjorie |title=One More Vessel for Defence Force |url=https://postcourier.com.pg/one-more-vessel-for-defence-force/ |access-date=22 April 2023 |work=Post Courier |date=13 February 2023}}{{cite press release |author1=Minister for Defence Richard Marles |author2=Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy |author3=Minister for Defence Personnel Matt Keogh |title=Fourth Guardian-class Patrol Boat delivered to Papua New Guinea |url=https://www.minister.defence.gov.au/media-releases/2023-10-04/fourth-guardian-class-patrol-boat-delivered-papua-new-guinea |website=Department of Defence Ministers |access-date=19 January 2024 |date=4 October 2023}}
• One {{sclass|Balikpapan|landing craft heavy|0}} landing craft (transferred from Royal Australian Navy){{cite press release|author1=Defence Minister Senator David Johnston|title=Minister for Defence – Defence Minister welcomes the commissioning of HMPNGS Lakekamu|url=https://www.minister.defence.gov.au/2014/12/04/minister-for-defence-defence-minister-welcomes-the-commissioning-of-hmpngs-lakekamu-4-december-2014|website=Department of Defence|archive-url=http://webarchive.nla.gov.au/gov/20141215060037/https://www.minister.defence.gov.au/2014/12/04/minister-for-defence-defence-minister-welcomes-the-commissioning-of-hmpngs-lakekamu-4-december-2014|archive-date=15 December 2014|date=4 December 2014|access-date=12 March 2017|url-status=dead}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}
• One Malaysian built landing craft (supplied by Australia)

According to Janes, the navy is badly underfunded and the task of patrolling such a large Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) is too great and they are heavily reliant for information about the presence of foreign ships on daily reports supplied by US satellite surveillance. The main concern is illegal tuna fishing by Japanese vessels. Australia continues to assist the navy patrol its waters and in the training of personnel. A Royal Australian Navy Officer has been seconded to PNG's National Co-ordination Centre and joint exercises are held regularly to review and strengthen current maritime border surveillance. The Australian Border Force also takes part in cross-border patrols. As a matter of course, Australian doctrine and procedures are used.

In November 2018, Australia donated to PNG the first of four Austal-built Guardian-class patrol boats to replace the four {{sclass|Pacific|patrol boat|0}} patrol boats donated to PNG in the late-1980s through the Pacific Patrol Boat Program.{{cite press release|author1=Minister for Defence Industry|title=Pacific Patrol Boat Milestone |url=https://www.minister.defence.gov.au/minister/christopher-pyne/media-releases/pacific-patrol-boat-milestone|website=Department of Defence|access-date=22 September 2017|date=31 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170922194349/https://www.minister.defence.gov.au/minister/christopher-pyne/media-releases/pacific-patrol-boat-milestone|archive-date=22 September 2017|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last1=Valenti|first1=Dr. Alix|title=PNGDF Plans Expansion|url=https://asianmilitaryreview.com/2016/12/pngdf-plans-expansion/|access-date=23 September 2017|work=Asian Military Review|date=21 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170923145011/https://asianmilitaryreview.com/2016/12/pngdf-plans-expansion/|archive-date=23 September 2017|url-status=live}}{{cite press release |author1=Minister for Defence Christopher Pyne |author2=Minister for Defence Industry Steven Ciobo |title=First Guardian Class patrol boat gifted to PNG |url=https://www.minister.defence.gov.au/media-releases/2018-11-30/first-guardian-class-patrol-boat-gifted-png |website=Department of Defence Ministers |access-date=22 April 2023 |date=30 November 2018 |archive-date=22 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230422150910/https://www.minister.defence.gov.au/media-releases/2018-11-30/first-guardian-class-patrol-boat-gifted-png |url-status=dead }} The first Guardian-class boat {{HMPNGS|Ted Diro}} was commissioned in February 2019.{{cite web |last1=West |first1=LT Sarah |title=Pacific security bolstered as first Guardian class Patrol Boat commissioned |url=https://news.navy.gov.au/en/Feb2019/Events/5060/Pacific-security-bolstered-as-first-Guardian-Class-Patrol-Boat-commissioned.htm |website=Royal Australian Navy |date=12 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190212075206/https://news.navy.gov.au/en/Feb2019/Events/5060/Pacific-security-bolstered-as-first-Guardian-Class-Patrol-Boat-commissioned.htm#.XGJ7K_zP02w |archive-date=12 February 2019 |url-status=dead |access-date=22 April 2023 }} In 2018, the first Pacific-class boat was decommissioned with the remaining three decommissioned in 2021.{{cite news |title=Her Majesty Papua New Guinean Ship 'Rabaul' |url=https://www.facebook.com/EMTVonline/posts/her-majesty-papua-new-guinean-ship-rabaul-was-farewelled-in-a-traditional-naval-/2303271803024039/ |work=EMTV Online |via=Facebook |access-date=22 April 2023 |date=4 August 2018}}{{cite news |title=Vessels decommissioned |url=https://www.thenational.com.pg/vessels-decommissioned/ |access-date=22 April 2023 |work=The National |date=19 April 2021}} In June 2022, PNG commissioned HMPNGS Cape Gloucester, a Malaysian-built landing craft donated to PNG by Australia.{{cite news |last1=Felton |first1=Benjamin |title=Australia Supplies New Ships To Papua New Guinea |url=https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2022/05/australia-supplies-new-ships-to-papua-new-guinea/ |access-date=22 April 2023 |work=Naval News |date=25 May 2022}}{{cite news |last1=Kellerton |first1=Marysila |title=HMPNGS Cape Gloucester |url=https://www.looppng.com/png-news/hmpngs-cape-gloucester-113335 |access-date=22 April 2023 |work=Loop PNG |date=15 June 2022 |archive-date=22 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230422155008/https://www.looppng.com/png-news/hmpngs-cape-gloucester-113335 |url-status=dead }} Cape Gloucester replaced two Balikpapan-class landing craft: {{HMPNGS|Salamaua}} decommissioned in 2020 and {{HMPNGS|Buna}} decommissioned in 2021.{{cite news |last1=Yafoi |first1=Melisha |title=Naval ship decommissioned |url=https://postcourier.com.pg/naval-ship-decommissioned/ |access-date=22 April 2023 |work=Post Courier |date=22 June 2020}}{{cite news |title=Former navy officers recall time on board Buna |url=https://www.thenational.com.pg/former-navy-officers-recall-time-on-board-buna/ |access-date=22 April 2023 |work=The National |date=28 June 2021}} {{HMPNGS|Lakekamu}}, a Balikpapan-class landing craft donated to PNG by Australia in 2014, remains in service as a training ship in addition to transporting equipment.{{cite web |author=Department of Defence |title=Labuan lives on through Lakekamu |url=https://news.navy.gov.au/en/Jan2018/Events/4405/Labuan-lives-on-through-Lakekamu.htm |website=Royal Australian Navy |date=16 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180116071402/https://news.navy.gov.au/en/Jan2018/Events/4405/Labuan-lives-on-through-Lakekamu.htm#.Wl2mRfzP02w |archive-date=16 January 2018 |url-status=dead |access-date=23 April 2023 }}{{cite news |last1=Zarriga |first1=Miriam |title=Armoured Vehicle Delivery |url=https://postcourier.com.pg/armoured-vehicle-delivery/ |access-date=23 April 2023 |work=Post Courier |date=27 June 2022}}

Australia is funding a A$175 million upgrade to the Lombrum Naval Base on Manus Island with construction commencing in mid-2020.{{cite press release |author1=Prime Minister Scott Morrison |title=Joint Statement between Australia and Papua New Guinea |url=https://www.pm.gov.au/media/joint-statement-between-australia-and-papua-new-guinea.html |website=Prime Minister of Australia |archive-url=http://webarchive.nla.gov.au/awa/20201006203304/http://pandora.nla.gov.au/pan/170811/20201007-0059/www.pm.gov.au/media/joint-statement-between-australia-and-papua-new-guinea.html |archive-date=6 October 2020 |date=1 November 2018 |url-status=dead |access-date=21 January 2024 }}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}{{cite web |title=The Joint Initiative at Lombrum Naval Base (PNG) |url=https://www.defence.gov.au/defence-activities/programs-initiatives/pacific-engagement/lombrum-naval-base |website=Department of Defence |access-date=21 January 2024}}{{cite news |last1=Faa |first1=Marian |title=Australian Defence Force to fund $175 million major upgrade for Papua New Guinea's naval base on Manus Island |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-06-15/major-naval-base-on-png-manus-island-lombrum-adf/100216040 |access-date=21 January 2024 |work=ABC News |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |date=16 June 2021}}

File:HMPNGS Francis Agwi at Austal shipyards in Henderson, Western Australia, October 2021 03.jpg

{{see|Papua New Guinea Defence Force ranks}}

{{Reflist|30em}}

{{refbegin}}

• {{cite book|author=Defence Intelligence Organisation|title=Defence Economic Trends 2015|date=March 2015|publisher=Department of Defence|location=Canberra|url=http://www.defence.gov.au/dio/documents/DET_15.pdf|issn=1835-3878|id=DIO Reference Aid 15–003|archive-date=28 August 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150828212714/http://www.defence.gov.au/dio/documents/DET_15.pdf|url-status=dead}}
• {{cite book | last = Dennis |display-authors=etal | first = Peter | year = 1995 | title = The Oxford Companion to Australian Military History

| publisher = Oxford University Press | location = Melbourne | isbn = 0-19-553227-9}}

• {{cite book | last = Dorney | first = Sean | year = 2000 | title = Papua New Guinea: People, Politics, and History since 1975

| publisher = ABC Books | location = Sydney | isbn = 0-09-169461-2}}

• {{cite book|last=International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS)|title=The Military Balance 2012|year=2012|publisher=IISS|location=London|issn=0459-7222}}
• {{cite book|last1=May|first1=Ronald James|title=The changing role of the military in Papua New Guinea|year=1993|publisher=Australian National University. Strategic and Defence Studies Centre|location=Canberra|isbn=0731518470|url=http://bellschool.anu.edu.au/sites/default/files/publications/attachments/2016-03/101_The_changing_role_of_the_military_in_Papua_New_Guinea_(Canberra_papers_on_strategy_and_defence)_Ronald_James_May_97p_0731518470.pdf|access-date=23 March 2017|archive-date=24 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170324083758/http://bellschool.anu.edu.au/sites/default/files/publications/attachments/2016-03/101_The_changing_role_of_the_military_in_Papua_New_Guinea_(Canberra_papers_on_strategy_and_defence)_Ronald_James_May_97p_0731518470.pdf|url-status=dead}}
• {{cite book|last1=Mench|first1=Paul|title=The role of the Papua New Guinea defence force|year=1976|publisher=Australian National University|location=Canberra|isbn=0909150109|edition=Development Studies Centre - Monograph no.2.|url=http://pacificinstitute.anu.edu.au/sites/default/files/resources-links/DSC_monograph_02.pdf|access-date=23 March 2017|archive-date=23 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170223192446/http://pacificinstitute.anu.edu.au/sites/default/files/resources-links/DSC_monograph_02.pdf|url-status=dead}}
• {{cite web |author=Papua New Guinea Defence Organisation |title=Defence White Paper 2013 |year=2013 |url=http://www.pngdefence.gov.pg/images/publications/defence_white_paper_2013.pdf |website=Papua New Guinea Defence Force |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161125045438/http://www.pngdefence.gov.pg/images/publications/defence_white_paper_2013.pdf |archive-date=25 November 2016 |url-status=dead |access-date=24 November 2016 }}
• {{cite book|author1=Senate Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence|title=Australia's Defence Cooperation with its Neighbours in the Asian-Pacific Region|year=1984|publisher=Commonwealth of Australia|location=Canberra|isbn=0644037202|url=http://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Senate/Foreign_Affairs_Defence_and_Trade/Completed%20inquiries/pre1996/def_co-op_asia/index|access-date=23 March 2017|ref=CITEREFSenate_Defence_Cooperation1984}}

{{refend}}

{{refbegin}}

• {{cite news|last=Robie|first=David|author-link=David Robie|title=The Silent Border Struggle|newspaper=The Dominion|location=Wellington|date=29 November 1988}}
• {{cite book|last1=Dibb |first1=Paul |last2=Nicholas |first2=Rhondda |title=Restructuring the Papua New Guinea Defence Force: Strategic Analysis and Force Structure Principles for a Small State|year=1996|publisher=Strategic and Defence Studies Centre, Australian National University |location=Canberra|isbn=073152490X}}

{{Refend}}

• {{commons category-inline}}
• {{Official|http://www.defence.gov.pg/ }}
• {{cite web|title=PNG Defence Organisation - new official PNGDF website|url=http://www.pngdefence.gov.pg/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161227123857/http://www.pngdefence.gov.pg/|archive-date=27 December 2016|access-date=24 November 2016|url-status=dead}} Website account suspended in 2017.
• [https://wikileaks.org/plusd/cables/1976PORTM00878_b.html Details in 1976] on WikiLeaks

{{Papua New Guinea topics}}

{{Military of Oceania}}

Category:Military of Papua New Guinea

Category:1973 establishments in Papua New Guinea