Papua New Guinea / PNG
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Oceania
Defense treaty to further deepen enduring Australia-PNG ties
FORUM Staff Fifty years after Papua New Guinea (PNG) formed its Defence Force upon achieving independence from Australia, the nations’ troops are set to serve in each other’s forces under a proposed defense treaty. The pact, which follows a 2023 bilateral security agreement, will build on the nations’ “unique history and closeness,” their defense ministers announced in February 2025. The…
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Features
Land Power Key for Multidomain Success
FORUM Staff | Photos by AUSTRALIAN DEFENCE DEPARTMENT Lt. Gen. Simon Stuart assumed command of the Australian Army on July 2, 2022, about 35 years after he enlisted as a Soldier. The Chief of Army sat down for an interview with FORUM on the sidelines of the Land Forces Pacific (LANPAC) conference sponsored by the Association of the United States…
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Features
Island Security
FORUM Staff Papua New Guinea (PNG) celebrates the 50th anniversary of its independence from Australia on September 16, 2025. Buildings will be draped in the national colors of red, black and gold and expect a ceremonial flag-raising; parades; sporting events; and cultural festivals with music, dances and costumes. Rehearsals began in 2023 when the country’s Department of Personnel Management urged…
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Oceania
Allies, Partners aid humanitarian efforts in earthquake-damaged Vanuatu
FORUM Staff Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, the United States and other nations are aiding Vanuatu after an earthquake hit the country’s capital, Port Vila, in mid-December 2024. The 7.6 magnitude earthquake leveled buildings, cracked bridges, destroyed water reservoirs, knocked out communications and internet access, and shut down the main wharf. Authorities said the quake killed at least 12…
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Oceania
Australia solidifies role as Papua New Guinea’s primary security partner
The Associated Press Australia has signed a security pact with its nearest neighbor, Papua New Guinea (PNG), strengthening Canberra’s role as the region’s preferred security partner. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Papua New Guinean Prime Minister James Marape signed the agreement in mid-December 2024. Marape said his government initiated the deal, which respects both nations’ sovereignty and comes seven…
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Oceania
Oceania defense force appointments highlight growing interoperability
FORUM Staff A series of historic firsts are accelerating initiatives to deepen interoperability among Allies and Partners as Oceania defense forces pursue shared national interests. In October 2024, New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) Maj. Gen. Hugh McAslan was named Australia’s deputy chief of joint operations, the highest-level posting of a foreign military officer to the Australian Defence Force (ADF), according…
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Departments
Making History
FORUM Staff Photos by AUSTRALIAN DEFENCE DEPARTMENT As the son of a Soldier, and with a desire to explore the world beyond his island nation, Boniface Aruma embarked on what might be seen as a natural career path. Nearly 30 years after joining the Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF), however, the latest destination on Col. Aruma’s professional journey could not…
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Oceania
Pacific Angel exercise enhances Papua New Guinean, U.S., partner nation disaster response capabilities
FORUM Staff The Pacific Angel 2024 exercise in Papua New Guinea (PNG) strengthened the ability of the nation’s Defence Force (PNGDF) to respond to natural disasters. PNGDF personnel trained with their Australian, New Caledonian and United States counterparts in aeromedical evacuation (AE), public health and austere medicine to boost emergency response capabilities to save lives and support humanitarian assistance and…
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Conflicts - Tensions
Australian, island nations’ police to respond to Blue Pacific emergencies
FORUM Staff A new multinational police force based in Australia will provide security for Blue Pacific nations while also serving as a deterrent to the People’s Republic of China’s (PRC) push to embed itself with law enforcement agencies in the region. The $271 million Pacific Policing Initiative, underwritten by Australia, includes a new training facility in Brisbane and up to…
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Partnerships
Indonesia, Papua New Guinea strengthen defense ties with training, border security initiatives
Gusty Da Costa Indonesia and Papua New Guinea (PNG) are progressively enhancing their defense relationship, underscoring a shared commitment to regional stability and mutual security. This growing partnership is characterized by educational exchanges, joint border security initiatives and a broader geopolitical alignment within the Indo-Pacific. Indonesia recently opened its military schools to young officers and cadets from PNG to enhance…
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