A joint exercise between members of the Papua New Guinea and Australian Defence Forces involving the use of up armored land cruisers was completed in Port Moresby.
The activity brought together the 1st Royal Pacific Islands Regiment (1RPIR) and the ADF’s visiting 2nd Cavalry Regiment.
The military exercise tested skills the soldiers developed during earlier training activities this year.
In a realistic scenario, personnel conducted a convoy escort mission and responded to a simulated attack using the up-armored vehicles.
The joint training in Port Moresby, strengthening capability, interoperability and cooperation under the PNG-Australia alliance.
Commanding Officer First Royal Pacific Islands Regiment, (1RPIR), Lieutenant Colonel Eddie Jarope said the use of up armored Land Cruiser vehicle will enhance capabilities for the infantry Battalion.
The Up Armored SUV is not simply a vehicle. It is a capability that, when integrated with our infantry, will enhance our mobility, flexibility and ability to operate across challenging terrain. The training is an important step towards validating that capability,” said Jerope.
Commanding Officer of the ADF Visiting Team, Major Ben Sheppard said the activity reflected the value of the long-standing partnership between the PNGDF and ADF.
“Today’s training was really encouraging. We saw weeks of training with Charlie Company, 1RPIR, come together to ensure a tactical task was executed to a great standard,” said Major Sheppard.
Speaking after the completion of the joint exercise Lt. Col Jeropa said the exercise is geared to develop a credible motorized infantry capability.
The training will also help the PNGDF further develop their motorized infantry capabilities ahead of the Papua New Guinea component of Exercise Wantok Warrior in October.
In July PNGDF and ADF completed the Australian Component of Exercise Wantok Warrior in Australia where PNGDF mortars took part for the first time in a multinational live fire exercise.
Conducted annually, Exercise Wantok Warrior is a joined infantry exercise between PNGDF and ADF and aims to build stronger working relationship between the infantry units.
“What was equally pleasing was the integration of the Up Armored SUV, which demonstrates that the capability is maturing towards operational employment,” said Major Sheppard.
The work of the Mobile Training Team reflects, at the tactical level, the implementation of Australia and PNG’s growing strategic partnership and alliance framework. “It has been a privilege to work alongside PNGDF soldiers and contribute to their ongoing capability development,” added Major Sheppard.
The activity highlights the PNG-Australia defence alliance in action, supporting a capable, professional and modern PNGDF while strengthening the enduring alliance between the two countries.
