PNGDF mortars make history in Australian military exercise

Soldiers from the Papua New Guinea Defence Force [PNGDF] have made history after participating in a multinational mortar live-fire activity on foreign soil for the first time.

The military activity took place during the Australia-based component of Exercise Wantok Warrior 2026, which concluded recently in Townsville, Queensland.

The bilateral training brought together soldiers from the PNGDF’s 2nd Royal Pacific Islands Regiment [2RPIR] and the Australian Army’s 3rd Brigade to enhance combat readiness and small-team tactics.

PNGDF Colonel Boniface Aruma, who is currently embedded as the Deputy Commander of the Australian Army’s 3rd Brigade, described the live-fire event as a deeply emotional milestone for the force.

"The live fire was significant because it is the first time in the history of the PNGDF that its mortars were able to participate in a multinational live-fire exercise on foreign soil," Col Aruma said.

"I have been in the PNGDF now for over 30 years and I have never seen PNGDF mortars in action. In fact, I thought I would never see them on the mortar line. So, it was quite emotional for me to see this capability being brought back to life".

Col Aruma added that the joint exercise provides a crucial platform for the PNGDF to understand how to seamlessly integrate and operate with likeminded partner nations in the region.

Throughout the demanding bilateral training, troops underwent rigorous drills in threat identification, tactical movement, reactions under pressure, and trench and bunker clearances.

PNGDF officer Lieutenant Emolle Ryan, of 2RPIR, said the training had been highly challenging but equally rewarding for the local troops.

"For many of us, this is our first time working in ASLAVs [Australian Light Armoured Vehicles], and it has been an incredible learning experience," Lieut Ryan said.

Despite the intense training conditions, he praised the strong camaraderie and hospitality of their Australian counterparts.

"We are just happy to be here. It is a privilege and we are pretty humbled to be with the 2CAV [2nd Cavalry Regiment] guys. They have been superb and we are really enjoying our time here," Lieut Ryan added.

The exercise highlights the enduring defence partnership between PNG and Australia, which has entered a new era of cooperation under the Pukpuk Treaty.

The treaty elevates the bilateral relationship to a formal Alliance, paving the way for deeper security cooperation, advanced training frameworks, and enhanced capability development.

The second phase of Exercise Wantok Warrior 2026 is scheduled to be hosted on PNG soil this October.