Australia has officially handed over 12 up-armoured LandCruisers to the Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF), enhancing Papua New Guinea’s ability to respond to domestic security challenges and demonstrating the strength of our defence ties.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Richard Marles, made the announcement alongside his counterpart, Minister for Defence, Dr Billy Joseph, at Murray Barracks in Port Moresby on Monday.
The up-armoured LandCruisers are lightweight vehicles allowing PNGDF personnel to move securely and respond with agility across diverse terrain.
The delivery of the LandCruisers represents a more than PGK 8 million investment in Papua New Guinea’s security capability and is a practical demonstration of Australia’s growing defence partnership with PNG, and our joint commitment to the security of our region.
Deputy Prime Minister Marles and Minister Joseph also opened the refurbished Murray Barracks Sergeant’s Mess. Funded by the Australian Government, the building was upgraded in order to more appropriately accommodate 82 PNGDF Senior Non-Commissioned Officers.
Quotes attributable to Defence Minister Dr Billy Joseph:
"The relationship between the PNGDF and the ADF was built during the days of the Second World War and to come here at a time when our country is just about to celebrate 50 years of our nation’s sovereignty is an important moment for us.
“We are honoured to be the recipients of 12 armoured personnel carriers for the protection of our armed forces who are operating in volatile areas, especially up in the highlands.
“I would like to thank you the people of Australia, the Government of Australia and our friend the Deputy Prime Minister who is here today to give us this important capability for our defence force. It will go a long way to rebuilding our defence capability and capacity of our defence force. In 50 years, we have come a long way and we look forward to the next 50 years.
“Over the last 50 years, our nations’ people-to-people, defence-to-defence, government-to-government relationships have grown in leaps and bounds.”
Quotes attributable to Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon Richard Marles MP:
“Australia is committed to partnering with Papua New Guinea to build their sovereign capabilities and enable them to respond to their own security needs.
“Our shared geography and history interests make Papua New Guinea and Australia natural partners, and Australia is pleased to deliver these LandCruisers to support Papua New Guinea’s security priorities.
“The Australian Defence Force and Papua New Guinea Defence Force continue to work together to enhance the interoperability between our two countries, respond to our shared strategic challenges in support of a peaceful, stable and prosperous region.”
IFor further information, including access to related materials, please contact the Australian High Commission media team: +675 7090 0100