The Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) has commenced operations using new rotary wing aircraft, a Bell 412, which recently arrived in Papua New Guinea (PNG).
Rotary wing aircraft, or helicopters, are a critical for the PNGDF to complete training and operational tasks across the diverse and rugged terrain of PNG.
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This includes humanitarian assistance, such as delivery of 24-ton of essential supplies to Gulf province in late 2025, transportation of PNGDF troops from remote locations, such as Weam and Tabubil to support border protection operations, and swift disaster response.
Rotary wing aircraft have allowed PNGDF into remote areas of PNG that have been inaccessible for extended periods, including the Medical Civic Action Program (MEDCAP) in East New Britain in November 2025 and aerial delivery of building materials to an isolated village in Madang in December 2025.
These rotary wing missions have supported remote communities by enabling access to essential services and materials regardless of geographical challenges.
The new Bell 412 has significant benefits over its predecessors, including a larger fuel tank, traveling up to 630 kilometers, allowing the PNGDF to access more remotes areas for critical activities such as border protection operations.
Additionally, the Bell 412s perform better at high altitudes and with high temperature conditions and can travel up to 30 knots at cruising speed, with an increased carrying capacity by 320 kilograms.
The increased capability and efficiency of the Bell 412s greatly enhances the PNGDF’s capacity to deliver projects and missions requiring rotary wing services.
The Australian Defense Force are proud to support the PNGDF though this critical rotary wing function, working side by side and step by step to maintain the strong partnership between PNG and Australia.
PNGDF Chief of Joint Operations Branch COL Mark Kellerton said:
“We see these machines heavily involved in border operations, resupply, search and rescue operations, disasters, operations in the highlands.”
“On behalf of the Commander PNGDF, Rear Admiral Philip Polewara, I wish to express sincere gratitude…with the availability of these machines, bringing it on board allows much more capability.”
ADF Defense Advisor COL Nicholas Trotter said:
“These Rotary Wing aircraft enable Papua New Guinea Defense Force to deliver humanitarian assistance, disaster relief in PNG times of need, they support troop movements operationally in the Highlands and on the border and they conduct supply missions as well.”
“Moving forward as allies, ADF is very proud to continue to work alongside PNG Defense Force.”