Papua New Guinea Defence Force soldiers have taken part in a multinational live fire activity as part of the 2026 Exercise Wantok Warrior, held in Townsville, Australia.
PNGDF Force Colonel, Boniface Aruma who is the Deputy Commander of the Australian Army 3rd Brigade, says soldiers from PNGDF’s Infantry Battalion have made history on Australian soil.
“The live fire was significant because it is the first time in the history of the PNGDF that its Mortars were able to participate in a multinational live fire exercise on foreign soil,” Colonel Aruma said.
The annual military exercise brings together PNGDF soldiers from the Pacific Islands Regiments and Australian Defence Force soldiers from Australian Army’s 3rd Brigade.
Despite running this exercise for several years, this was the first time PNGDF soldiers participated in a multinational mortar live fire activity and Colonel Aruma says that highlights the opportunities for future interoperability training exercises.
Aruma said he has been in PNGDF for over 30 years but he has never seen PNGDF Mortars in action.
“In fact, I thought I would never see the Mortars on the mortar line. So, it was quite emotional for me to see this capability been brought back to life,” Colonel Aruma added.
Exercise Wantok Warrior sometimes held in Papua New Guinea started in 2005 and have been conducted long before PNG and Australia signed the Pukpuk Treaty.
Now with the Pukpuk Treaty a legal binding document, Exercise Wantok Warrior will reflect the enduring defence partnership between Papua New Guinea and Australia and would allow PNGDF to be integrated into ADF activities.
The Treaty elevates the defence relationship between the two nations to an Alliance and provides a framework for deeper cooperation and advanced training, capability development, security and regional stability.
It aims to enhance combat skills, teamwork and interoperability in demanding environments. The PNG Component of Wantok Warrior will be held in PNG in October.
Despite running this exercise for several years, this was the first time PNGDF soldiers participated in a multinational mortar live fire activity and that highlights the opportunities for future interoperability training exercises.
Lieutenant Emolle Ryan, from the PNGDF’s Second Royal Pacific Islands Regiment based in East Sepik, said the training had been challenging and rewarding.
“For many of us, this is our first time working in ASLAVs [Australian Light Armoured Vehicles], and it’s been an incredible learning experience,” Lieutenant Ryan said.
Lieutenant Ryan said despite demanding conditions, the partnership was marked by strong camaraderie.
“We’re just happy to be here. It’s a privilege and we’re humbled to be with the 2CAV guys. They’ve been superb and we’re really enjoying our time here,” Lieutenant Ryan added.
The shared training experience enabled PNG and Australian soldiers to build professional relationships, exchange knowledge and develop a stronger understanding of each other’s operating methods, improving their ability to work together in future exercises and regional operations.
PHOTO FILE: Supplied by Australian High Commission (PNG).