COMBINED Australian Defence Force (ADF) and Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) operational training started on Exercise Wantok Warrior 2026 at the Goldie River Training Depot and surrounding areas near Port Moresby.
More than 160 ADF personnel are training alongside almost 70 personnel from the PNGDF’s 1st Royal Pacific Islands Regiment (1RPIR) in the latest iteration of the bilateral training activity.
Exercise Wantok Warrior is a key component of the longstanding defence partnership between Australia and Papua New Guinea (PNG), providing soldiers from both nations with the opportunity to train together in a realistic and challenging operational environment.
Throughout the exercise, ADF and PNGDF personnel will conduct a range of stability and security operations training activities designed to strengthen cooperation and interoperability between the two forces. Training includes vehicle checkpoints, convoy escorts, presence patrols, key leader engagements and maritime-based exercises.
The activity allows soldiers to share knowledge, techniques and procedures while building the professional relationships that underpin effective military cooperation. By training side by side, participants develop a greater understanding of each other’s capabilities and improve their ability to operate together during future activities and regional security tasks.
Exercise Wantok Warrior also provides valuable opportunities for junior leaders and soldiers to enhance their tactical decision-making, communication skills, and operational planning in a combined-force environment.
Now part of the PNG-Australia Alliance, Exercise Wantok Warrior demonstrates the increasing defence cooperation between the two nations.
The alliance continues to enhance bilateral exercises such as Wantok Warrior, enabling Australian and Papua New Guinean soldiers to improve interoperability, share professional expertise and strengthen their ability to work together in support of regional security and stability.