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The Australian nation will gain access to the Papua New Guinean armed forces bases and troops under a recently concluded deal that will ensure the two countries support one another if either is under attack.

“Australia remains our preferred security ally, and this is understood... Our broader relationships remain intact,” stated the nation's head of state.

This agreement will allow as many as 10,000 nationals of Papua New Guinea to serve in the nation's armed forces. They will also have the choice to become Australian citizens.

Agreement Specifics

Referred to as the Pukpuk Pact (signifying "this reptile" in Papua New Guinean pidgin), the two-nation deal is the newest in a series of agreements struck between Pacific nations and powers seeking a military influence in the region.

The pact can deliver a strong response and, in the manner of this predator, its impact highlights the cooperation and preparation of the armed forces for hostilities.

Hostile action on either country would be “a risk to mutual safety” so both should “address the collective risk”.

Deeper Partnership

The pact also included greater collaboration around cyberspace and electromagnetic warfare.

Previously, the national security leader noted that the deal would mean that defence personnel from each country would be “fully combined”.

• First, to restrict outside power in PNG by guaranteeing it does not have the comparable reach to facilities.
• Second, to address the nation's recent struggles building defence numbers.
• In conclusion, the agreement also demonstrates a stance to other global powers.

The benefits of the agreement were three-pronged, according to a regional security expert.

“There is a surplus of fit and willing individuals in PNG ready for such roles,” it was explained, adding that a significant number would be drawn to the prospects of residing in the country and potentially getting Australian citizenship.

Regional Implications

The treaty forms part of a termed hub and spokes network of military treaties in the Pacific – with the nation at the heart and island nations being the allies.

There are concerns that the agreement could weaken PNG's ‘friends to all, enemies to none’ foreign policy position by aligning the country with Australia on each safety concern.

The two nations need greater clarity on the foreseen results, obligations and pledges.

The pact also included regular collaborative training which were about “communicating intent,” to “demonstrate combined operational readiness and rapid response to regional dangers”.

The agreement would help enhance PNG's army, bringing a major uplift in both resources and confidence.