PAPUA New Guinea and the United States will strengthen defence cooperation next week when they begin Exercise Tamiok Strike 2026, a joint military training exercise involving about 175 personnel.
The exercise will be held from July 13 to 24 in Port Moresby, Wewak, and Lae, with the participation of the Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) and the United States Army Pacific.
Now in its sixth year, Exercise Tamiok Strike aims to improve coordination, readiness, and operational cooperation between the two defence forces while supporting regional security efforts.
Training activities will include command and staff exercises, field training, engineering projects, medical engagements, and exchanges between military personnel and community representatives.
A key component of this year’s exercise will involve scenario-based planning activities to support the PNGDF’s preparations for 2027 election security and logistics requirements.
The exercise will also include training in maneuver operations and military police stability operations, along with engineer civic action projects and health-related engagements.
The United States Embassy in Port Moresby said the exercise demonstrates the strong partnership between Papua New Guinea and the United States and their shared commitment to responding to regional security challenges and humanitarian emergencies.
The exercise is supported by the Wisconsin Army National Guard’s State Partnership Program, which has developed closer ties between the two countries’ defence forces since 2021.
Several U.S. military units will take part, including the 413th Combat Sustainment Battalion, 500th Military Intelligence
Brigade, the Wisconsin Army National Guard’s 32nd Infantry Brigade, 854th Engineer Battalion, 1984th Field Hospital, and the 9th Mission Support Command Chaplain Detachment.
Organisers said the program will also include cultural awareness activities and community engagements to further strengthen the relationship between Papua New Guinea and the United States.