PAPUA New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) soldiers have returned from Australia after completing the first phase of Exercise Wantok Warrior 2026-a joint military exercise aimed at strengthening defence cooperation between Papua New Guinea and Australia.
The exercise was held in Townsville, Queensland, alongside Exercise Southern Jackaroo, and brought together soldiers from the PNGDF’s Royal Pacific Islands Regiment (RPIR) and the Australian Army’s 3rd Brigade.
Over the course of the training, soldiers worked side by side to sharpen their combat skills through realistic field exercises. They practised tactical movement, identifying threats, making quick decisions under pressure, and clearing trenches and bunkers.
Beyond the field training, the exercise also allowed troops from both countries to build stronger working relationships, share military knowledge and gain a better understanding of how each force operates, improving their ability to work together during future missions.
Lieutenant Emolle Ryan of the 2nd Royal Pacific Islands Regiment said the experience was both demanding and rewarding, especially for PNGDF soldiers who had the opportunity to train with Australian Light Armoured Vehicles (ASLAVs) for the first time.
“For many of us, this is our first time working in ASLAVs, and it’s been an incredible learning experience,” Lieutenant Ryan said.
He said the support and professionalism shown by their Australian counterparts made the experience even more memorable.
“We’re just happy to be here. It’s a privilege and we’re pretty humbled to be with the 2CAV guys. They’ve been superb and we’re really enjoying our time here,” he said.
One of the biggest milestones of the exercise was the PNGDF’s first participation in a multinational mortar live-fire exercise on foreign soil.
PNGDF Colonel Boniface Aruma, Deputy Commander of the Australian Army’s 3rd Brigade, said witnessing the exercise was a proud and emotional moment after serving in the PNGDF for more than 30 years.
“The live fire was significant because it is the first time in the history of the PNGDF that its mortars have participated in a multinational live-fire exercise on foreign soil,” Colonel Aruma said.
“I have been in the PNGDF for over 30 years and I have never seen our mortars in action. I honestly thought I would never see them on the mortar line, so it was quite emotional to see this capability brought back to life.”
He said the exercise has opened new opportunities for the PNGDF to train alongside partner nations and strengthen its ability to operate together during regional security operations.
Exercise Wantok Warrior is part of the growing defence partnership between Papua New Guinea and Australia, which has entered a new chapter under the Pukpuk Treaty. The agreement provides a framework for closer cooperation in military training, capability development and regional security.
The second phase of Exercise Wantok Warrior 2026 will be held in Papua New Guinea in October.