The Defence cooperation between Papua New Guinea (PNG) and Australia has been elevated to another level with the announcement of 12 new armoured personal carriers (Land Cruisers) to be delivered in October this year to the Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF). Defence Minister Dr Billy Joseph in a statement described these vehicles as a lighter version of the Bush Masters armoured vehicles used by the Australian Defence Force (ADF). They will be used by the PNGDF and Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) for internal security operations. The support was announced by Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister, Richard Marles alongside Minister Joseph while attending the 30th PNG-Australian Ministerial Forum in Port Moresby this month. According to DPM and Minister Marles, the Australian Government will also fund the refurbishment of the Air Hangar for the PNGDF Air Transport Wing (ATW) at the Jacksons Airport in Port Moresby to provide an operation space for both PNGDFand the Australian Defence Force (ADF). Minister Joseph in his statement said the announcement for provision of the armoured vehicles is based on a request he made to the Australian Government and the ADF, in his first meeting with the Australian High Commissioner John Feakes in February this year. The Minister made this request following the lessons learnt from the February 10 riots and looting in Port Moresby and the other urban centers around the country. Both Ministers are impressed with the ongoing activities under the bilateral defence cooperation program and committed to work together in strengthening the close relationship shared between the two countries. The defence minister thanked the Australian Deputy Prime Minister and the Government of Australia for adding more value to the bilateral defence partnership, which underpins the two countries' bilateral relations. “On behalf of the Government, I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to the Australian Deputy Prime Minister, Hon. Richard Marles and the Government of Australia for the strong partnership and their continued investments and strategic interventions in addressing some of the capacity and capability issues faced by the PNGDF with the recent announcement of support." Minister Joseph noted the provision of the armoured vehicles a welcome news for PNG and will serve the need to use them in specialized operations like counterterrorism and riots in the country. "In as far as "strategic trust" is concerned; Australia must trust PNG to protect its domestic security interest and vice versa for our mutual benefits." "Therefore, building the capacity of PNGDF to acquire critical skills and assets to perform its constitutional duties is the way forward in our relationship," Dr. Billy said. With the refurbishment of the ATS hangar by Australia, Minister Joseph indicated that the PNGDF will now focus on building the PNGDF Air Capabilities - procurement of both new and used fixed and rotor wings from Airbus (French), which is being discussed with support from the French government representatives. "The final decision on arrangement procurement will be made in the next few months," Minister Joseph said.