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Australia and Papua New Guinea are moving to deepen their new military alliance, with Canberra and Port Moresby preparing a pathway for PNG citizens to join the Australian Defence Force from 2027.
Australia and Papua New Guinea have taken the next step in implementing their landmark Pukpuk Treaty, with Defence Minister Richard Marles meeting his newly appointed PNG counterpart Elias Kapavore in Port Moresby.
The meeting marked the first ministerial discussions between the two men and came just weeks after the treaty formally entered into force on 8 July 2026.
The Pukpuk Treaty represents a significant shift in the bilateral relationship, establishing Papua New Guinea’s first formal military alliance and Australia’s first new alliance in more than seven decades.
A key focus of the meeting was progressing practical initiatives under the treaty, including plans to establish a recruitment pathway allowing Papua New Guinean citizens to enlist in the Australian Defence Force.
Ministers Marles and Kapavore said they shared an ambition to launch a pilot recruitment program in 2027, describing the initiative as an important step in strengthening the longstanding defence relationship between the two countries.
The alliance is already being supported by a growing program of joint military activity.
Recent cooperation has included Exercise Puk Puk 2026, where Australian and PNG military engineers have worked on infrastructure upgrades at Igam Barracks in Lae. The PNG Defence Force has also led humanitarian operations delivering essential medical supplies to communities in West Sepik.
Meanwhile, Royal Australian Navy hydrographic vessel HMAS Leeuwin has conducted survey operations alongside the PNGDF Maritime Element, while two PNGDF aircraft participated in Exercise Pitch Black 2026 last month.
Minister Marles said the focus is now on translating the new alliance into tangible capabilities and closer cooperation between the two armed forces.
“With the Pukpuk Treaty now in force, we are focused on the next phase of our partnership and delivering practical outcomes that strengthen cooperation between our defence forces and advance our shared security interests,” he said.
Minister Kapavore described implementation of the treaty as one of his highest priorities, highlighting the proposed ADF recruitment program as a particularly significant development.
“The recruitment of Papua New Guineans to the ADF is momentous and will further strengthen our enduring bond,” he said.
The two governments remain committed to using the treaty to support a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific while reinforcing the sovereignty and security of both nations.
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