Aust, New Zealand give PNGDF new equipment

The National National
PNGDF supply company officer in command Maj Augustine Kulaia (right) showing PNGDF logistics chief Col Benoma Siria a supply kit that was donated by Australia and New Zealand defence forces. – Nationalpic by KENNEDY BANI

THE Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) operations coordination centre was opened with a total of 991 pieces field equipment, vehicles and dinghies presented to the PNGDF by the Australian and New Zealand Defence Force.
PNGDF chief of logistics Col Benoma Siria said the friendship among the three countries went back to WWII when PNG played a role in taking care of Australian and New Zealand forces.
He said the realisation of that opportunity given by both countries to PNG was not lost on the PNGDF, in particular, Commander Maj-Gen Gilbert Toropo.
“All this equipment, vehicles and boats will be used by our long range reconnaissance team, the maritime element and the land element,” Col Siria said.
“We are developing our capabilities and it is now finally realised within the PNGDF.
“The PNGDF is changing and evolving with the changing times and so far we have progressed and changed as time continues, we are now putting more effort into our capabilities.
“The Covid-19 pandemic changed PNG and pushed the PNGDF to defend our borders; the Australia/PNG/New Zealand relationship has now developed into receiving world-class capabilities.”
The PNGDF received 25 troop carriers, 20 dinghies and 20 outboard motors, 750 soldier field kits, 28 drones and 148 HF and VHF radios.

One thought on “Aust, New Zealand give PNGDF new equipment”

  • can the ADF also donate tankers and jet fighter/ helicopters? if you wish to keep donating why cant you just help the PNGDF to boost up their air and water space to boost up surveillance of gold that is being smuggled out of PNG??

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