Papua New Guinea has achieved a milestone in enhancing its maritime security with the official handover of the fourth Guardian-class patrol boat, HMPNGS Toropo.
The boat, which was presented by Australia, marks the completion of PNG’s request for four patrol boats under the Pacific Maritime Security Programme (PMSP).
Defence Minister Win Daki during the handover ceremony on October 4 expressed gratitude to the people and government of Australia for their generosity in donating the new patrol boat.
He acknowledged the critical role these vessels play in patrolling maritime borders, responding to disasters, and participating in partner naval exercises.
Prior to this, PNG had received HMPNGS Diro, HMPNGS Lokinap, and HMPNGS Agwi under the PMSP.
Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Richard Marles, commended the strong partnership between PNG and Australia in defense cooperation.
He stressed the significance of the programme, describing it as one of the most substantial programmes in support of their Pacific partners.
The PMSP is an initiative by Australia, which involves delivering a total of 22 Guardian-class patrol boats to 12 Pacific Island countries and Timor-Leste.
Beyond the provision of patrol boats, the programme focuses on training recipient nations to ensure they have the skills, knowledge, and attributes required to operate, manage, and maintain their maritime assets.
In addition to the patrol boats, the programme includes various components such as lifetime sustainment and training, in-country advisers, region-wide integrated aerial surveillance, and enhancements to regional coordination.
This programme represents Australia’s 30-year commitment to supporting and building the maritime capabilities of countries in the Pacific region.
The overarching goal of the maritime security programme is to create a strategically secure, economically stable, and politically sovereign region.
It operates in tandem with Australia’s Defence Cooperation Programme, known as the PNG-Australia Defence Cooperation Programme in the case of PNG.
Initiatives under the PNG-Aust DCP include mobile training teams from Australia that provide valuable training to the Department of Defence and PNGDF.
This assistance is aimed at helping PNG acquire defense capabilities and develop a professional, capable, and sustainable PNGDF.
The joint efforts facilitate regional stabilisation, peacekeeping, disaster relief operations, and major national projects, further strengthening the capabilities of both nations.
