Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF)

PNGDF addresses alleged drug trafficking

It is yet to be established if both incidents are connected.

Board of inquiry into PNGDF accident starts

PNGDF internal investigations, having inconclusively completed their internal inquiry on the 20th of July 2023, have thereafter been given advice to start preparing for the General Board of Inquiry.

On July 21, 2023, the General Board of Inquiry was established as prescribed within Section 51 of the Defence Act 1974, as amended, through Gazettal Notice No.G591.

PNGDF Returns to Bougainville after 23 Years

Led by Captain Brian Pohai, the team of PNGDF Navy engineers arrived on Bougainville to bring much-needed relief supplies and to aid in the resettlement of local communities affected in the Torokina area of South Bougainville.

According to Minister for Bougainville Affairs Manasseh Makiba, this is a significant milestone for both Papua New Guinea and the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG). Since the Bougainville crisis and the signing of the Bougainville Peace Agreement (BPA) in 2001, the PNGDF had not been deployed to Bougainville until this moment.

Santos joins PNGDF in campaign against violence

The campaign for ‘Happy Homes, Healthy Mindsets and Mission Focused’, was rolled out to Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) personnel at Igam Barracks in Lae by Santos Foundation in close partnership with the PNGDF Gender Committee, the Morobe Family and Sexual Violence Action Committee, Lae Femili PNG and Kumul Petroleum Holdings Limited.

PNGDF unites servicemen in rugby tournament

The rugby union challenge kicked off today and will run through to July 20, 2023, will see 10 teams representing various PNGDF establishments compete for the prestigious cup.

This year's tournament, held at the Igam Barracks and Sir Ignatius Kilage Stadium in Lae, has received a significant boost with Kumul Petroleum Holdings Limited (KPHL) stepping up as a platinum sponsor.

As a company known for its unwavering commitment to community engagement, KPHL's Managing Director, Wapu Sonk, expressed his delight in contributing to the success of the annual event.

General Board of Inquiry into Kupiano training tragedy

The inquiry will examine the administration, systems and processes of conduct of the military training in the Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF), especially in this particular training.

The Investigation Report commissioned by the Commander of the PNGDF will form the basis of the General Board of Inquiry.

PNGDF personnel participate in State partnership

According to Major Jessica Kelly, the Wisconsin National Guard’s State Partnership Program coordinator, the visit was “amazing.”

“The intent of this visit was to build upon the medical introductory exchange that took place in the fiscal year 2022,” Kelly said.

PNGDF 14-day probe of Kupiano incident

The training incident has left two dead and two injured; a civilian included.

Commander Goina said, “Our investigation is being conducted separate to, but in concert with, a police investigation. We are cooperating fully with the police and their investigation.”

“The first members of our investigation team were on site late yesterday (Tuesday) afternoon. The team comprises very experienced and senior members of the PNGDF. Those who have a thorough understanding or our training, legal, medical, and ammunition management and supply system.”

Soldiers killed in training incident

This incident occurred around 4.00AM this morning at Kupiano in Central Province during a final field exercise for the Corporal Qualifying Course conducted at Goldie River Training Depot.

Two others are injured, including a civilian. All have since been evacuated to the Port Moresby General Hospital and their families. Details of the service personnel will be released once all internal protocol requirements for members killed in action, are done.

PNGDF and U.S Army in disaster response exchange

This initiative, at the invitation of the Papua New Guinea government, aimed to share best practices in disaster response with key stakeholders across the country.
Disasters often strike unexpectedly, causing extensive damage to communities, infrastructure, and lives. In light of these challenges, a well-prepared and knowledgeable response is crucial for effective recovery.