PNGDF Plans Expansion
PNGDF Plans Expansion 09 Januari 2017 Soldier of the PNGDF during amphibious exercise (photo : Asian Military Review) Brigadier General Gilbert Toropo, commander of the Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF), talk to asianmilitaryreview.com about the state of PNGDF capabilities in the run-up to next year’s national and local elections. The PNGDF, which contains a land, air and naval element under a single command, plays a key role in supporting the national police force, the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC), in maintaining security in the country. The capabilities, such as Bell 212 light utility helicopters and ‘Balikpapan’ landing craft for example, that the PNGDF has at its disposal far surpass those of the RPNGC. This makes it possible to ensure security in remote areas of the country during significant events such as next year’s elections. PNG received three Balikpapan-class landing craft heavy : HMPNGS Buna, HMPNGS Lakekamu, HMPNG...