PNGDF RECEIVE NEW COMBAT UNIFORMS

CAPTION: Papua New Guinea Minister for Defence Hon. Dr Billy Joseph accepted the gifted uniforms from the Australian High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea, Mr Ewen McDonald.

THE Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) has received the first 2,500 of 4,500 field uniforms gifted by the Australian Government, in partnership with the Government of Papua New Guinea, as announced by Australia’s
Minister for Defence Industry, and Minister for the Pacific, the Hon. Pat Conroy on 20 October 2025.

At a gifting ceremony held today at the PNGDF Headquarters at Murray Barracks, Papua New Guinea Minister for Defence the Hon. Dr Billy Joseph MP acknowledged the Australian Government and Australian Defence Force (ADF) and accepted the gifted uniforms from the Australian High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea, Mr Ewen McDonald.

The full ensemble Australian-made field uniforms include boots, under shirts, field coats and trousers, bush hats and socks. The uniforms feature the unique PNGDF Kumul camouflage print and have been designed to suit all PNGDF members, including regular and maternity styles for women, making this the first time camouflage uniforms have been
specifically designed for PNGDF women.

Attending the ceremony today were the Chief of PNG Defence Force, Rear Admiral Philip Polewara, Australian Defence Advisor, Colonel Nick Trotter, Secretary of PNG Defence, Hari John Akipe and members of the PNGDF, PNG Department of Defence and ADF.

The ADF wear the same uniforms, in the Australian camouflage patterns, further strengthening the interoperability of the PNGDF and ADF, as they continue to train and work together.

Papua New Guinea Defence Minister Hon. Dr Billy Joseph MP says, “This generous contribution is yet another strong demonstration of Australia’s consistent commitment to PNG, a commitment that not only strengthens our defence capabilities but also supports peace, stability and co-orporation across the Indo-Pacific region, thank you once again to the Government and people of Australia’’.

Australian High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea, Mr Ewen McDonald also stated; “As the PNGDF and ADF continue to train together and continue to improve interoperability, we will proudly see Australian and Papua New Guinean defence personnel standing side by side in quality Australian-made combat uniforms.”