Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF)

The PNGDF have stated that it is not appropriate for the PNGDF to comment on a case involving a suspect who is a soldier from the Southern Highlands Province, charged with the murder of his partner, a mother of three.

He was received by a half guard on the Parade Grounds and then proceeded to the Kumul Leadership Centre for a presentation of personal protective equipment (PPE).

It was a significant ceremony, signifying the support of the Indo-Pacific Command (U.S. INDOPACOM) at the cost of $5.4 million USD (over K15 million).

Admiral Aquino handed over the PPE to PNG Chief of Defence Force, Major General Mark Goina.

Wani has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Papua New Guinea and two Masters degrees from the PNG University of Technology. These are BA degree - Towns and Regional Planning, MSc degree in Remote Sensing & Geographic Information Systems (2017), and MSc degree in Urban and Regional Planning (2023).

The Australian Defence Organization’s Defence Cooperation Program (DCP) sponsored both Masters’ programs.

The PNGDF’s Gender Committee requested specialized training assistance from U.S. Indo-Pacific Command Office of Women, Peace & Security (WPS) to improve gender equity and equality within the defence force.

The course comprised of thirty PNGDF and Department of Defence students representing diverse career fields such as the Gender Committee; Military Police; Engineering; Chaplains, and Medical/Health Services. This was the first-ever WPS training provided to the PNGDF, and this student cohort comprised of 17 males and 13 females.

The project, which is part of the longstanding PNG Australia Defence Cooperation Program, has refurbished the accommodation block that will now provide housing for 100 personnel from the PNG Defence Force.

This project is a continuation of the joint efforts between Australia and PNG in the area of PNG security infrastructure.

Both nations are committed to ensuring that PNG's defence infrastructure meets the required standards, from major infrastructure projects under the Joint Initiative at Lombrum Naval Base to the construction of new accommodation.

At the Australian International Airshow, Australia’s Chief of the Defence Force, General Angus Campbell, AO, DSC, and Papua New Guinea’s Chief of Defence Force, Major General Mark Goina, signed a Memorandum of Understanding and Implementing Arrangement to facilitate the delivery of two new PAC-750XL aircraft to the PNGDF in 2023. 

The two aircraft will increase the PNGDF’s sovereign aviation capabilities, which provide important services to the Government and people of Papua New Guinea. 

The encounter was prior to the Special Leaders' Retreat where Minister Tkatchenko offered PNG's support to New Zealand following the extreme disaster caused by Cyclone Gabrielle.

“We will send our PNGDF to support New Zealand with clean up exercises, if required,” said Minister Tkatchenko.

Sepuloni acknowledged PNG's offer of support and said; “New Zealand is used to offering support to other Pacific Island countries in times of need and to receive that in return is indeed overwhelming.”

At 21, she became Papua New Guinea's first female commercial pilot, rising through the ranks before she was promoted and became the first female commanding officer in the country's defence force.

"They didn't give it to me because I'm a female," Lieutenant-Colonel Wii said.

"They gave it to me because I earned it."

At a time when geopolitics has lasered international attention on PNG's military and security, the woman leading its air unit comes with an extraordinary personal story.

In the months following the establishment of the headquarters, PNG defence powers were passed from Canberra to Port Moresby. 

This anniversary is an opportunity to celebrate the evolution of the PNGDF into the independent defence force it is today.

Members of the Australian Defence Organisation posted to PNG will join the PNGDF for the 50th Anniversary parade.

 The Australian Defence Force’s deep and enduring links with the PNGDF are founded on a history of shared sacrifice and partnership. 

The workshop was held recently from 18th-22nd of December 2022. Defence Secretary, Hari John Akipe said the Department of Defence Corporate Plan 2020-2023 was updated to Corporate Plan 2023-2026. 

He said the plan was shaped to be simple, specific and measurable. The Government has recently included the National Volunteer Service, PNG Fire Service and the National Disaster Centre under the Ministry of Defence, which traditionally has DoD and PNGDF.