[World] Australia and PNG Defence Forces to conduct Helicopter Exercise

The Australian Defence Force will be conducting helicopter exercises with the Papua New Guinea Defence Force’s (PNGDF) Air Transport Wing at Jackson’s Airport, Port Moresby from 16 August to 7 September 2015 to practice flying in high altitude environments around Port Moresby as part of their professional flying training.

This flying will occur with the permission of the Government of Papua New Guinea and the PNGDF.

The aircraft that will be flying around Port Moresby during this period will be the Blackhawk troop lift helicopter and for the first time the Tiger Armed Reconnaissance helicopter, which is the new armed helicopter coming into service with Australian Army aviation. The Tiger helicopter will not be armed during its time in PNG.

The C-17 Globemaster aircraft will be helping to support this exercise by bringing in aircraft, personnel and equipment.

While this exercise is occurring, discussions will be held with representatives of the PNG Government about future joint exercises in 2016.

Commander PNGDF, Brigadier General Gilbert Toropo, will visit the PNGDF’s Air Transport Wing and view both types of helicopter as part of his briefing about future exercises between Australia and PNG occurring in 2016.

Head of Australian Defence Staff, Colonel, Dick Parker said: “Papua New Guinea is very well suited to high altitude training, so we are very thankful that the PNG Government and our partners in the PNGDF allow us to conduct our training here. I hope this exercise will both provide a challenging environment to Australian pilots as well as allow planning to occur for joint PNG and Australian Defence Force exercises in 2016. These activities build the interoperability of our two Defence Forces and also build strong relationships between our personnel.”

  ★ Pngfacts