Pacific nations deepen military ties through training, recruitment, strategic partnerships
“PNG’s growing defense role was highlighted as it hosted Tamiok Strike 2025, a two-week exercise with U.S. forces in April. The fifth iteration of the annual drills improved interoperability between the PNG Defence Force and U.S. troops across diverse terrain and operations, enhancing “mutual understanding and cooperation,” according to the U.S. Embassy in PNG.”
“The ongoing integration of military forces extends beyond recruitment. For example, the New Zealand Defence Force’s Mutual Assistance Programme provides training to military personnel in nations including Fiji, PNG, Tonga and Vanuatu. New Zealand and PNG signed a Status of Forces Agreement in 2018 and frequently conduct joint defense education and training.”