Australia Ups Spending on PNG Military Engagement to $35 Million

Additional support announced at a joint ministers’ meeting brings the total spend to $35 million over the next 4 years.

Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (centre R) and Papua New Guinea's Prime Minister James Marape (2nd L) pose with Papua New Guinea's Minister of Foreign Affairs Justin Tkatchenko (L), Australia's Minister of Defence Richard Marles (2nd R) and Australian Minister of Defence Industry and Pacific Island Affairs Pat Conroy (R) after the signing of the Pukpuk treaty at Parliament House in Canberra on Oct. 6, 2025. David Gray/AFP via Getty Images)

Australia is to increase its spending on military engagement with Papua New Guinea (PNG), building new barracks, providing aircrew training, and supplying 3,500 rifles.

These initiatives bring the total spend to $35 million (US$22.8 million) over the next four years.