Up-armoured vehicles take the lead in joint exercise  

The 12 up‑armoured LandCruisers gifted to the Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) by Australia late last year are being put to the test in a joint training exercise between the two Defence Forces. 

The vehicles – presented by Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, the Hon Richard Marles MP, to his counterpart, Minister for Defence, Hon Dr Billy Joseph MP, at Murray Barracks in Port Moresby in August last year – form part of Australia and PNG’s ongoing and growing defence cooperation. 

This week’s training exercise is being led by a visiting unit from the Australian Defence Force (ADF), working in partnership with the PNGDF to support the development of its new protected mobility capability. The up‑armoured LandCruisers are highly manoeuvrable, lightweight vehicles capable of tackling challenging terrain. They allow PNGDF personnel to navigate diverse environments safely, as demonstrated during driver training at Goldie River Training Depot. 

Completion of the training – which covered driving on difficult terrain, communications, tactical movement and maintenance – will enable the up‑armoured LandCruisers to be used safely and effectively in PNGDF exercises and future operations. 

This joint training exercise not only strengthens the PNGDF’s protected mobility capability and improves its interoperability with the ADF but also highlights the strong relationship between PNG and Australia, built on shared values and a joint commitment to regional security. 

Quote attributable to PNGDF Director of Land Force Preparations, LTCOL Ezron Dekaetavara:  

“We look forward to the following week that we will work with 3rd Brigade, they will take us through some of the training that is deemed as necessary for the operators and other aspects of the employment of this platform... These are exciting times and we will look at the opportunities that these times present to both PNGDF and the ADF as well.” 

Quotes attributable to ADF Defence Advisor COL Nicholas Trotter:

“This driver training course is another example of our commitment to supporting PNGDF operational capability. Learning to operate and maintain the up-armoured vehicles is important, both for the safety of defence personnel, and to ensure this new capability is best able to support PNG Defence activities.” 

“The Australian Defence Force, including our Defence Cooperation Program team based here in PNG, is proud to work alongside PNGDF, building our partnership and our ability to work together.” 

 

ENDS 

PNGDF up-Armoured LandCruisers navigating varied terrain at a joint training exercise at Goldie River Training Depot. 

For further information, including access to related materials, please contact the Australian High Commission media team: +675 7090 0100