PNGDF communication boosted

The Papua New Guinea Defence Force has received a much sought after Codan Radio Communications capability, thanks to the Australian Defence Force (ADF).

The communications equipment will enhance the conduct of PNGDF training and operations with APEC 2018 being an obvious near term focus, all the while assisting with the rejuvenation and capacity development of PNGDF capability as a long term objective.

PNGDF Chief of Force Preparations, Colonel Siale Diro, said this is a game changer for PNGDF.

The communication equipment are inclusive of;

  • 100 HF radio manpacks and 2x HF base stations
  • 50 VHF handheld radios and 6x VHF base stations
  • Program software chargers, cables, antennas and additional ancillary equipment critical to the operation, long term maintenance and thorough life support of the capability.

“The equipment will enable PNGDF to communicate and coordinate its operations far more effectively,” says Col. Diro.

“It is extremely effective and it is of high value.

“PNGDF is very appreciative of the Australian Government and the Australian Defence for their continued support, especially at this time when we have stepped off into supporting the police and the national government for the 2018 APEC Summit,” Diro adds.

The boost of the communications equipment for the force will inevitably have a positive flow-on effect to the PNGDF’s ability to perform sovereignty mandated tasks inclusive of land border patrol, vital asset protection or humanitarian assistance and disaster relief focused.

Author: 
Annette Kora