28 March 2025
Defence forces across the South-West Pacific have joined Australian Defence Force friends at one of the largest gatherings of international aircraft on the planet.
Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF), Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) and for the first time Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) have sent personnel to work alongside the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) at the Australian International Airshow in Avalon.
Director General Australian International Airshow, Air Commodore Scott Winchester, emphasised what a great opportunity it was to demonstrate how well the Pacific Defence Force family could seamlessly work together.
“It provides an opportunity to continue to develop those close working relationships between our nations that have been bonded over many, many decades," Air Commodore Winchester said.
“It's a wonderful opportunity to showcase to industry, foreign military and the Australian public how our nations collaboratively work day in, day out to provide a safe and secure environment.”
For the PNGDF, the biennial Airshow has played a significant role in developing expertise. In 2017 a plan was laid at the Australian International Airshow to reinvigorate PNG’s air capability.
“Since the memorandum of understanding between RAAF and the PNGDF was signed, our element has gone from strength to strength,” PNGDF's Lieutenant Colonel Miro said.
“Since receiving the two PAC-750XL aircraft from the RAAF, we have been able to work closely with RAAF personnel to develop this capability in terms of training our maintainers, ground crew and air crew.”
Under the Defence Pacific Air Program, PNGDF and RFMF have also been working closely with the RAAF C-27J Spartan crews to fortify South-West Pacific partnerships, enhance integration and bolster aviation support within the region.
This partnership has enabled PNGDF, RFMF and RAAF personnel to come together across the fields of maintenance and air mobility to support the C-27J Spartan at the airshow, with the RNZAF also providing their C-130J Hercules for display.
