Exercise Puk Puk 2026 is underway, bringing together military engineers from the Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) and Australian Defence Force (ADF) for the annual joint engineering exercise hosted in Papua New Guinea (PNG). The activity highlights the strength of the PNG-Australia alliance while delivering valuable engineering and training outcomes.
Running from July to September 2026 at Igam Barracks, Lae, Exercise Puk Puk is a multinational activity supported by personnel from the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) and Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF). The exercise promotes regional cooperation and provides opportunities for participating forces to train and work together.
For more than 20 years, Exercise Puk Puk has brought defence personnel together to deliver engineering projects and develop practical skills in PNG. The annual activity strengthens professional relationships and contributes to greater cooperation across the Pacific.
During Exercise Puk Puk 2026, engineers from the PNGDF, ADF and Pacific partner defence forces are working together on road construction, building projects and facility improvements at Igam Barracks. The exercise allows participants to exchange knowledge, gain hands-on experience and enhance their engineering capabilities.
Exercise Puk Puk also creates opportunities for cultural exchange and community engagement, strengthening the people-to-people connections that are at the heart of the PNG-Australia alliance. Residents of Lae and surrounding communities may see visiting defence personnel throughout the exercise period.
Exercise Puk Puk demonstrates the PNG-Australia alliance in action. By working side-by-side on shared challenges, the defence forces build trust, strengthen professional relationships, and enhance their capabilities, contributing to a secure, stable, and resilient Pacific.
ENDS
Members of the PNGDF and ADF work together during Exercise Puk Puk 2026. Exercise PukPuk is an annual multinational engineering activity, in 2026 it will run from July to September in Lae.
For further information, including access to related materials, please contact the Australian High Commission media team: +675 7090 0100