Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles has concluded his visit to Papua New Guinea with the official opening His Majesty's Papua New Guinea Naval Base (HMPNGS) Tarangau - reflecting the growing defence cooperation and interoperability between our two countries.
HMPNGS Tarangau, also known as the Lombrum Naval Base, is the largest security infrastructure project delivered by Australia in the Pacific and will enable the Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) to grow and develop its sovereign capabilities, and respond to PNG's security priorities.
Delivered under the Lombrum Joint Initiative, the new naval base includes:
- Working and living accommodation for the PNGDF;
- A medical centre that will serve the base and local community;
- Water and sewerage services to supply the base;
- Upgraded maritime infrastructure, including barge landing ramps;
- Office infrastructure, including a guard house and headquarters building; and
- Combined mess facilities, able to accommodate around 200 sailors and officers.
The completion of HMPNGS Tarangau will also provide further opportunities for Australia and PNG to increase interoperability and cooperation through joint training, exercises and ship visits.
During his visit to PNG, the Deputy Prime Minister also handed over 12 up-armoured LandCruisers to the Papua New Guinea Defence Force.
These lightweight vehicles will allow PNGDF personnel to move securely and respond with agility across diverse terrain, further enhancing PNG's ability to respond to domestic security challenges.
Our defence cooperation with PNG is stronger than ever - underpinned by our shared history and future and our strategic trust as neighbours, partners and friends.
This visit comes just one week after the conclusion of Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025, which marked the first time a component of the Exercise was held outside Australia, in Papua New Guinea.
Australia and PNG are further strengthening ties through the ongoing negotiation of a defence treaty, announced by the Deputy Prime Minister and Papua New Guinea Minister for Defense, Dr Billy Joseph, in February 2025.
Quotes attributable to Deputy Prime Minister, Richard Marles:
"Australia is committed to partnering with Papua New Guinea to build their sovereign capabilities and enable them to respond to their own security needs.
"Our shared geography and history interests make Papua New Guinea and Australia natural partners, and Australia is pleased to see this partnership growing even further in 2025.
"The Australian Defence Force and Papua New Guinea Defence Force continue to work together to enhance the interoperability between our two countries, respond to our shared strategic challenges in support of a peaceful, stable and prosperous region."
