Maritime security strengthened

 Papua New Guinea’s maritime security efforts have been strengthened with the support of aerial surveillance, through a PNG-Australia Defence Cooperation programme. 

During a recent PNGDF Maritime Element Operation, HMPNG ships Rabaul and Seeadler were joined by a King Air B200 from Tropicair to help with maritime surveillance and enforcement in PNG’s exclusive economic zone. 

The aircraft was contracted through the PNG-Australia programme. 

The aircraft patrolled areas north of Madang and Wewak and north-north east of New Ireland over  two weeks. 

It was during one of these patrols that HMPNG Rabaul was directed by the aircraft towards two suspicious vessels. 

They were subsequently apprehended under direction from the National Fisheries Authority and escorted to Kaviang and handed over to the  authority for action. 

Officer-in-charge of the National Surveillance Coordination Centre, LCDR Bunu Mwatapa, said: “Air Surveillance is considered to be of great strategic importance to the nation in the continuing battle to police PNG’s exclusive economic zone. 

“It is the intention of the National Surveillance Coordination Centre to continue to have aerial support for future operations,”  Mwatapa said.