PNGDF personnel conduct driver training on up-armoured LandCruisers

The course trains PNGDF personnel from across Papua New Guinea to operate the up‑armoured vehicles, supporting the PNGDF’s protected mobility capability.

“Eight PNGDF members qualified as driving instructors and are now providing instruction to the participants, along with support from the Australian Defence Force through the Defence Cooperation Program,” according to a public statement from the Australian High Commission Papua New Guinea.

“Corporal Maria Andaku has worked for 12 years in Force Support Battalion (FSB), the PNGDF Logistics Battalion, and is an instructor on the course. She has been training PNGDF transport members, including Corporal Petra Kimbis, also from the PNGDF FSB, to operate the up-armoured vehicles, through technical skills, maintenance and how to manage the vehicles for use in PNGDF exercises and operations.

“This joint training exercise showcases the vital role women play as leaders and learners within both defence forces, working side by side and step by step to further develop the enduring defence relationship between Papua New Guinea and Australia.”

Earlier this year, the Australian government also confirmed it would supply more than 3,500 Australian Combat Assault Rifles, manufactured by Thales Australia, for the Papua New Guinea Defence Force.

The supply selection was revealed during a Senate estimates discussion between Western Australian senator Tyron Whitten and Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group deputy secretary Chris Deeble on 11 February.

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The government had previously pledged to supply 5.56mm Australian-made automatic rifles to the PNGDF as part of a larger $35 million defence aid package in October last year.

The modern weapons are considered part of the new PNG–Australia Mutual Defence Treaty, also known as the Pukpuk Treaty, and are intended to enhance PNGDF’s operational readiness.

Robert Dougherty

Robert is a senior journalist who has previously worked for Seven West Media in Western Australia, as well as Fairfax Media and Australian Community Media in New South Wales. He has produced national headlines, photography and videography of emergency services, business, community, defence and government news across Australia. Robert graduated with a Bachelor of Arts, Majoring in Public Relations and Journalism at Curtin University, attended student exchange program with Fudan University and holds Tier 1 General Advice certification for Kaplan Professional. Reach out via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or via LinkedIn.