Australian Army UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters have arrived in Papua New Guinea (PNG) for the first time as part of Exercise Helicon Luk 2026.
The annual exercise allows Australian Army aircrews to train in PNG's challenging mountain environment and practise moving people, equipment, and supplies across the region
This year marks an important milestone with the Black Hawk joining the exercise for the first time. Australian Defence Force personnel will conduct flying operations across PNG, including in the Owen Stanley Range and Central Highlands.
Exercise Helicon Luk is a long-running activity that is now conducted under the banner of the PNG – Australia Mutual Defence Treaty or Pukpuk Treaty, reflecting Australia and Papua New Guinea’s status as allies and the depth of our longstanding defence cooperation. These types of exercise go to the heart of our partnership, strengthening interoperability between our forces and supporting a safer, more secure and more resilient region.
ADF Commander of the16th Aviation Brigade, Brigadier Fern Thompson, said PNG provides some of the most demanding flying conditions in the region.
"The deployment of the UH-60M Black Hawk to Papua New Guinea, for the first time, is a significant milestone for Army Aviation,” Brigadier Thompson said.
"Papua New Guinea offers some of the most challenging flying conditions in our region, making it an ideal environment to build upon our experience and readiness.”
"Operating across PNG’s mountainous terrain presents unique and challenging training for pilots and aircrew, ensuring we are prepared to conduct
Task Unit Commander Lieutenant Colonel Christopher Porada said the exercise highlights the close cooperation between the nations.
"Exercises such as Helicon Luk provide a valuable opportunity for our personnel to train in Papua New Guinea while strengthening the relationships that support ongoing regional engagement and cooperation," Lieutenant Colonel Porada said.
"The first deployment of the Black Hawk to PNG demonstrates our commitment to the PNG–Australia Alliance and supporting security and stability across our region."
The Black Hawk helicopters will operate from Port Moresby during the exercise. The community may see and hear the aircraft conducting training activities in and around Port Moresby and other parts of PNG over the coming weeks.
ENDS
File image of an Australian Army UH-60M Black Hawk from the 16th Aviation Brigade conducting rotary-wing manoeuvres with soldiers from the 2nd Combat Engineer Regiment aboard during a Land Training Activity in Oakey, Queensland, May 2026.
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