Australia, PNG sign Lombrum MoU
The Australian Department of Defence and Papua New Guinea (PNG) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for a joint initiative at Lombrum Naval Base on Manus Island, PNG.
The MoU will provide a framework for the two countries to work together to enhance the PNG Defence Force’s ability to protect its borders and maritime resources through a programme of mentoring, customised training, infrastructure development and shared facilities at the PNG Defence Force base.
Christopher Pyne, Australia’s Minister for Defence, said: ‘The Lombrum joint initiative will increase interoperability between our defence forces and provide greater opportunities for training and joint activities, as demonstrated by HMAS Choules’ recent visit to Lombrum naval base.
'Increased cooperation at the PNG Defence Force base in Manus Province is a natural extension of our longstanding and collaborative defence partnership.’
More from Defence Notes
-
Israel defence ministry pushes ambitious spending plans for tanks, drones and KC-46 aircraft
The procurement and acceleration production plans – some of which still await approval – across the air and land domains will aim to strengthen the operational needs of the Israel Defense Forces.
-
US reforms its defence acquisition system to focus on commercial capabilities
This shift is planned to accelerate the procurement and fielding of capabilities. As part of this strategy, the US also intends modernise its regulations in an attempt to change its bureaucratic and risk-averse culture.
-
Australia’s Exercise Talisman Sabre concludes after a series of firsts
More than 40,000 military personnel from 19 participating nations took part in the 11th iteration of the biennial Exercise Talisman Sabre multi-domain event which was held across Australia and in Papua New Guinea.
-
US Africa Command targets logistic solutions
AFRICOM is seeking IT systems and supply chain management solutions to enhance interoperability and standardise logistical processes in its area of responsibility.
-
Rheinmetall sales up by almost a quarter on wave of German spending
Germany’s Rheinmetall released its 1H 2025 results on 7 August, continuing the strong growth of recent years. A particular highlight of the result’s presentation was the Skyranger air defence system for which the company is predicting sales of about US$8.2 billion from the German Government before the end of the year.
-
Defence companies continue to ride procurement wave
Vehicle and technology companies are reporting substantial growth compared to the first half of 2024. Italy’s Fincantieri saw revenues jump 24% for the first half of the year compared to 2024 and Thales up 6.8% for the same period. General Dynamics reported second quarter revenue growth of 8.9% for the second quarter compared to last year and MilDef reported organic order intake growth of 58%.