The Papua New Guinea Defence Force’s (PNGDF) Air Transport Wing (ATW) will lead its first bilateral air exercise from 16 to 24 October 2026, marking a significant milestone in strengthening PNG’s sovereign aviation capability.

Exercise Kapa Pisin will operate across critical strategic hubs, including Port Moresby, Vanimo, and Green River.

Exercise Director Lieutenant Colonel Eddie Miro said the PNGDF-led exercise demonstrates the ATW’s growing ability to plan, lead, and sustain complex aviation operations independently.

“Exercise Kapa Pisin represents a significant milestone in the growth of PNGDF’s sovereign air capability,” Lieutenant Colonel Miro said.

“From expanding our PAC 750 fleet in 2023 to developing our personnel through the Australia-supported Flights of Excellence program, this exercise shows the immense progress we have made in building a capable and professional air transport wing.”

Utilizing two PNGDF ATW PAC 750 aircraft, the exercise will test the Wing’s capability to deploy and sustain operations in remote and austere locations. Field activities will include:

• Aerial surveillance and search and rescue (SAR) missions.
• Joint personnel recovery and medical evacuations (MEDEVAC).
• Aerial logistics support to remote outposts.

Commanding Officer ATW, Lieutenant Colonel Doug Vavar, emphasized that the training will directly enhance the wing's operational readiness.

“Air power gives us the ability to respond rapidly and effectively to emerging security and humanitarian requirements across Papua New Guinea,” Lieutenant Colonel Vavar said. “This activity will strengthen our operational readiness while deepening the practical cooperation and trust between the PNGDF and the Australian Defence Force (ADF).”

The ADF will support the PNGDF-led exercise with Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) personnel, a C-27J Spartan aircraft and crew, alongside Australian Army Special Operations Command personnel.

RAAF Detachment Commander Squadron Leader Jason Appleton said Australian personnel are proud to support the PNGDF ATW’s inaugural bilateral command exercise.

“We are honored to train alongside PNGDF ATW personnel and support this PNGDF-led exercise with a C-27J Spartan aircraft, crew, and specialist personnel,” Squadron Leader Appleton said. “We highly value opportunities to work side-by-side with Papua New Guinea, strengthening the practical cooperation, interoperability, and trust that underpin our enduring alliance under the bilateral Defence Cooperation Treaty. Operating in Papua New Guinea’s challenging terrain also provides invaluable training for our crews.”

Exercise Kapa Pisin builds on decades of defense cooperation between Australia and Papua New Guinea. Through the Defence Cooperation Program (DCP), Australia supports PNGDF priorities across education, training, mentoring, and capability development across the land, aviation, maritime, and departmental domains.

The exercise underscores how Australia and Papua New Guinea, as close neighbors, partners, and allies, train together to reinforce PNG’s sovereign security and contribute to a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Pacific region.