Australia and Papua New Guinea Strengthen Defence Ties through Joint Operations
Australia’s Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) has deepened its defence partnership with Papua New Guinea (PNG) through the Olgeta Aviator Mobile Training Team — Charlie (MTT-C). This initiative focuses on capacity building, regional security, and professional development within PNG’s Air Transport Wing.
The ongoing collaboration involves officer exchanges, technical training, and infrastructure support in Port Moresby. The recent deployment, conducted in September, emphasized strengthening relationships and sharing expertise in the demanding operational environment of PNG, reinforcing regional stability in the Indo-Pacific.
Community Engagement and Future Goals
Beyond operational training, the RAAF team participated in cultural exchanges and community activities, such as the Kokoda Track, fostering goodwill and cooperation. An important project underway is the establishment of an Air Operations Centre to enhance command and control capabilities.
"This partnership is about more than capability — it’s about relationships" — said Wing Commander Shane Prior, reflecting on Australia’s broader strategic role in supporting PNG’s sovereignty and stability.
Both forces remain committed to creating sustainable defence cooperation that strengthens regional security, sovereignty, and people-to-people links, supporting the Indo-Pacific’s stability and resilience.
