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PNG-Australia Defence Cooperation Program
The defence relationship between Australia and Papua New Guinea is both a strong and enduring one. It is founded on the bases of history and shared experiences: many current Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) units trace their regimental history to Papuan and New Guinea units formed as part of the Australian Army during and after the Second World War.
In more recent years, the relationship has concentrated on the renewal of the Papua New Guinea Defence Force's capabilities. Under the auspices of the Defence Cooperation Program, the Australian Government is providing significant assistance to the Papua New Guinea Government's Defence Reform Program. This homegrown initiative aims to create a smaller and more affordable Defence Force, able to respond effectively to the demands of Papua New Guinea's security environment.
The Defence Cooperation Program spans combined exercises between the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and PNGDF; professional military education for PNGDF personnel; technical advice; joint infrastructure projects and support provided by ADF officers posted to 'in-line' positions within Headquarters PNGDF and the PNG Department of Defence. Recent achievements included the refurbishment of the PNGDF's Forward Operating Base at Kiunga, Western Province by ADF and PNGDF engineers under Exercise PUK PUK; the recovery of water and sewerage infrastructure at Murray and Taurama Barracks; and the preparation of PNGDF personnel for deployment to the Regional Assistance Mission in the Solomon Islands.
The following links provided more information about the Defence Cooperation Program (Strategy Executive homepage) and the Australian Defence Force (Defence homepage; Army, Navy and Air Force sites). Media releases concerning Defence Cooperation activities can also be found at the Defence Media Room site.
Defence - www.defence.gov.au
Royal Australian Navy - www.defence.gov.au/navy/
Australian Army - www.defence.gov.au/army/
Royal Australian Air Force - www.defence.gov.au/raaf/
Strategic Policy and International Policy - Following the recent Australian Federal Election, the content of this page is under review until further notice.
Defence Media Room - Following the recent Australian Federal Election, the content of this page is under review until further notice.