PNGDF – CONTACT magazine

Official portrait of Papua New Guinea Defence Force officer and Deputy Commander of the 3rd Brigade, Colonel Boniface Aruma. Photo by Captain Andrew Page. Corporal Guy Sadler.

The importance of leading by example

20/02/202620/02/2026 Posted by Mike Hughes 541 Views 0 Comments 3rd Brigade, PNGDF

As the 3rd Brigade sharpens its focus on warfighting readiness, its deputy commander is equally focused on something less visible

Sergeant Joshua Magun, of the PNG Defence Force, on the flight line at 35 Squadron during the Kumul Exchange at RAAF Base Amberley, Queensland. Story by Flight Lieutenant Greg Hinks. Photos by Leading Aircraftwoman Nell Bradbury.

News Royal Australian Air Force

Pacific partners unite

04/02/202604/02/2026 Posted by Mike Hughes 597 Views 0 Comments 35 Squadron, C-27J Spartan, Defence Pacific Air Program (DPAP), Exercise Kumul Exchange, PNGDF

Though seeing the home of the Brisbane Broncos was a highlight for Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) Sergeant Sato

Australian Army soldier Private Annaliese Luckman, of 1st Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment, conducts an urban clearance as part of Exercise Wantok Warrior in Lae, PNG. Story by Captain Tadek Markowski. Photos by Lance Corporal Jessica Gray.

Australian Army News Overseas

Urban warfare realism on Wantok Warrior

07/11/202507/11/2025 Posted by Mike Hughes 3131 Views 1 Comment 1st Battalion Royal Australian Regiment, 5th Aviation Regiment, Exercise Wantok Warrior, PNG, PNGDF

The sun isn’t yet up but Major Patrick Hoare, Officer Commanding Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment (1RAR),

Australian Army soldier Corporal Angus Pugney, of the 4th Health Battalion, conducts patient extraction winch training as part of Exercise Helicon Luk 2025 in PNG. Story by Captain Tadek Markowski. Photos by Corporal Dana Millington.

Australian Army News Overseas

Army’s first responders practise their craft

17/10/2025 Posted by Mike Hughes 1834 Views 0 Comments 4th Health Battalion, 5th Aviation Regiment, CH-47F Chinook, Exercise Helicon Luk, PNG, PNGDF

When the ADF is called upon to undertake humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, it’s often Army’s workhorse helicopter, the CH-47F

An Australian Army CH-47F Chinook from 5th Aviation Regiment navigates the rugged terrain of Papua New Guinea’s Central Highlands during altitude training. Story by Captain Tadek Markowski. Photos by Corporal Dana Millington.

Australian Army News Overseas

Army aircrews on a high during training in PNG

14/10/2025 Posted by Mike Hughes 1909 Views 0 Comments 5th Aviation Regiment, CH-47F Chinook, Exercise Helicon Luk, Exercise Wantok Warrior, PNG, PNGDF

In late September, Townsville-based 5th Aviation Regiment flew four of its CH-47F Chinooks to Papua New Guinea to take part

An Australian Army member from the Parachute Training School descend into Sir Hubert Murray Stadium from a PNG Defence Force aircraft during the Military Tattoo at Port Moresby. Story by Captain Katy Manning. Photos by Corporal Jack Pearce.

Australian Army News Pacific Royal Australian Air Force Royal Australian Navy

Military Tattoo showcases unity for PNG50

12/09/2025 Posted by Mike Hughes 4402 Views 0 Comments PNG, PNGDF

Music, culture and fireworks lit up Sir Hubert Murray Stadium as Papua New Guinea hosted a Military Tattoo in the

New Zealand Army gunners from 16th Field Regiment lead a live-fire mortar exercise alongside Papua New Guinea Defence Force counterparts. NZDF photo supplied.

New Zealand News Pacific

New Zealand Army delivers first mortar course in PNG

16/08/202516/08/2025 Posted by Brian Hartigan 3873 Views 1 Comment NZDF, PNGDF

A New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) contingent drawn from various units within 1st (NZ) Brigade and Joint Support Group has

Left to right, Corporal Lowana McDougall, Aircraftwoman Emily Harman, and Private Hope Hutchins from the Australian Defence Force Women's Rugby League team pay respects at the Bomana War Cemetery in Port Moresby, PNG. Story by Captain Jon Stewart. Photos by Corporal Nakia Chapman.

ADF People History Lest We Forget Overseas

ADF players honour fallen heroes

20/06/2025 Posted by Mike Hughes 5366 Views 1 Comment ADF Sport, Kokoda Track, PNG, PNGDF, WWII

The Australian Defence Force Women’s Rugby League team visited the Bomana War Cemetery in Port Moresby as part of an

ADF Chief of Joint Operations Vice Admiral Justin Jones, left, speaks with Colonel Craig Solomon of the PNG Defence Force during a visit to Murray Barracks in Port Moresby. Story and photos by Corporal Michael Rogers.

Australian Army News Overseas Royal Australian Air Force Royal Australian Navy

International debut for Talisman Sabre

06/05/2025 Posted by Mike Hughes 2586 Views 0 Comments Exercise Talisman Sabre, PNGDF

Australia’s largest military exercise will be making its international debut, with Papua New Guinea hosting elements of Exercise Talisman Sabre

Australian Army soldiers WO2 Bryan Griff and WO2 Paul Thornhill gather with contractors from Reeves Envico and Hebou to discuss the progress of the PNGAus Partnerships’ Potable Water Infrastructure Works at the PNG Defence Force’s Goldie River Training Depot, PNG. Story by Major Evita Ryan. Photos by Corporal Joshua Thomas.

Australian Army News Overseas

Army engineers tap into new water supply for PNGDF

07/02/2025 Posted by Mike Hughes 3037 Views 0 Comments 12th Chief Engineer Works (12CEW), PNGDF

Most of us consider a clean, accessible and infinite supply of water a normal part of our day, if not

Soldiers from 3rd Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment, and the PNG Defence Force board a CH-47 Chinook from 5th Aviation Regiment during Exercise Wantok Warrior. Story by Captain Brittany Evans. Photo by Corporal Brandon Grey.

Australian Army News Overseas

Ex Wantok Warrior taken up a notch

10/12/2024 Posted by Mike Hughes 2647 Views 0 Comments 2nd Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Battalion RAR, 3rd Brigade, 3rd Combat Engineer Regiment, 5th Aviation Regiment, CH-47F Chinook, Exercise Wantok Warrior, PNGDF

The Australian Army and Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) partnered in a series of training activities in Wewak on

Australian Army officers Captain Will Guelen and Captain Max Cubis, of 12th Chief Engineer Works, oversee the concrete pour for the boat ramp under construction at Lombrum Naval Base, PNG. Story by Major Evita Ryan. Photos by Corporal Joshua Thomas.

Australian Army News Overseas

Aussie sappers and tradies at work on Admiralty Islands

03/12/202407/12/2024 Posted by Mike Hughes 2365 Views 0 Comments 12th Chief Engineer Works (12CEW), 6th Engineer Support Regiment, Guardian-class Patrol Boat, Pacific Maritime Security Program, PNGDF

During World War 2, more than 200 ships could be found at anchor in Seeadler Harbor, Papua New Guinea, a

Army chef Corporal Lee Kemp participates in one of the Exercise Golden Plate cooking scenarios at Gallipoli Barracks, Queensland. Story by Captain Joanne Leca. Photos by Sergeant Jason Slape.

Australian Army News

Chefs turn up the heat at Ex Golden Plate

13/11/2024 Posted by Mike Hughes 2039 Views 0 Comments 10th Force Support Battalion, 1st Catering Platoon, Exercise Golden Plate, PNGDF

Army chefs from across Australia were put to the ultimate culinary test at this year’s Exercise Golden Plate. CAPTION: Army chef

RAAF and PNG Defence Force graduates from the Initial Officer Course 05/24, at Officer Training School, RAAF Base East Sale, Victoria. Story by Flight Lieutenant Lily Lancaster. Photos by Leading Aircraftwoman Mikaela Fernlund.

News Royal Australian Air Force

PNG officers graduate from RAAF OTS

22/10/202426/10/2024 Posted by Mike Hughes 3389 Views 0 Comments Officer Training School (OTS), PNGDF, RAAF East Sale

When the recent class of Officer Training School (OTS) graduates tossed their hats into the air on graduation day, history

Australian Army soldiers from 3rd Combat Engineer Regiment refurbish facilities as part of Exercise Puk Puk at Moem Barracks, PNG. Story by Captain Brittany Evans. Photos by Lance Corporal Riley Blennerhassett.

Australian Army News Overseas Videos

Exercise in PNG renews infrastructure and bonds

02/10/2024 Posted by Mike Hughes 3867 Views 0 Comments 3rd Combat Engineer Regiment, British Armed Forces, Exercise Puk Puk, New Zealand Army, PNGDF

Australian sappers from 3rd Combat Engineer Regiment joined engineers and tradespeople from the British Army, New Zealand Army and Papua

PNG Defence Force members arrive in Townsville for Exercise Kumul Exchange. Story by Captain Brittany Evans. Photo by Lance Corporal Riley Blennerhassett.

Australian Army News

Ex Kumul a boost for PNG interoperability

27/09/2024 Posted by Mike Hughes 1986 Views 0 Comments 3rd Battalion RAR, 3rd Combat Engineer Regiment, 3rd Combat Service Support Battalion (3CSSB), Exercise Kumul Exchange, Lavarack Barracks, PNGDF

The Army’s 3rd Brigade is taking part in Exercise Kumul Exchange 2024 with the Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF)

Air Force C-27J Spartan aircraft from No. 35 Squadron, takes off from Port Moresby International Airport, Papua New Guinea, during Operation Island Chief 2024. Story by Captain Peter Nugent. Photos by Corporal Emma Schwenke.

News Pacific Royal Australian Air Force

On watch for illegal fishing

12/09/2024 Posted by Mike Hughes 2369 Views 0 Comments C-27J Spartan, No. 35 Squadron, Operation Island Chief, Operation Solania, PNGDF

As the C-27J Spartan soared skyward from Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, with fully laden fuel tanks, ahead awaited hours

Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) Aircraft Engineer Joshua Magun, of Air Transport Wing, inspects a PNGDF PAC P-750XL prior to a sortie during Exercise Pitch Black. Story by Flight Lieutenant Matthew Edwards. Photos by Sergeant David Gibbs.

News Royal Australian Air Force

New ground for PNG forces

26/07/2024 Posted by Mike Hughes 3207 Views 0 Comments Exercise Pitch Black, PNGDF

From the rugged and jungle-covered mountains of Papua New Guinea to the flat and arid terrain of northern Australia, Pacific

Lieutenant Donna Nabure, from the Australian Defence Force Malaria and Infectious Diseases Institute team, talks with a Papua New Guinea Defence Force member and his child during a health survey. Photo by Corporal Samuel Miller.

ADF News Pacific

Scientific team surveys health in PNG

25/05/2024 Posted by Brian Hartigan 3052 Views 0 Comments Papua New Guinea, Papua New Guinea Defence Force, PNG, PNGDF

Bringing science to the heart of Papua New Guinea, the ADF Malaria and Infectious Diseases Institute spent several weeks conducting

Aircraftman Finlay Austin, from 27 Squadron, on a C-27J Spartan aircraft in Papua New Guinea during the Defence Pacific Air Program. Story b y Flight Lieutenant Claire Campbell. Photo by Corporal Samuel Miller.

ADF People

Moving loads in PNG

08/05/2024 Posted by Mike Hughes 2181 Views 0 Comments C-27J Spartan, No. 25 Squadron, No. 27 Squadron, No. 35 Squadron, Papua New Guinea, PNGDF

Perth local Aircraftman Finlay Austin deployed on the latest rotation of the Defence Pacific Air Program to Papua New Guinea

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