Australia Should Do More for PNG Defence Force

15th March, 2011
Francis Hualupmomi, International Security Analyst in PR China
Australia has done less in enhancing PNGDF’s power projection in post-independence era. With changing pattern in geopolitics constructing emerging security issues and challenges in the region, and international responsibility, there is need to review the current Australia-PNG Strategic/Defence Cooperation.
There is already a shift in geopolitics from the west to the east - rise of China in Asia - and diffusion of power from state to non-state actors. Asia is now seen as the economic cockpit in driving global economy. Given this changing pattern, we expect more challenges in regional security posture. The LNG projects pose potential risks to non-traditional security issues such as terrorism and transnational crimes - piratism, illegal gun trade, etc. The presence of U.S-based Exxon Mobile in PNG projects high security risk from terrorists, for instance, disruption of oil shipment in maritime theatre by terrorists groups. The Vision 2050 and natural disasters also construct uncertain environments, which instruct realignment in military structures and doctrines.
In addition, PNG’s move to participate in international peacekeeping operations under UN demands military power projection. The war torn theatres are highly hostile, which demand smart modernized defence force. PNGDF lacks capacity and capability power projection in this new responsibility.
Given this projected security scenario, what can Australia do? Australia should reconsider reviewing the strategic partnership arrangement, and enhance PNGDF strategic capacity and capability to meet new security challenges. PNG lacks modernized continental, blue water and air power. Continental power should be increased from its current size of 2, 000-10, 000 military personnel. More so, most of the defence force armaments - naval ships and airships - are outdated. PNG needs modernized continental, air and sea power capabilities with high speed and precision to monitor external threats (border-maritime), for national emergencies and development, and UN peacekeeping operations.
Australia should not continue to play neo-colonial cards. PNG’s strategic modernization should not be calculated by Australia as a strategic threat, rather as an important economic and strategic partner in maintaining peace and stability in the region. With China now competing with U.S over energy sources in PNG, Australia’s relationship with PNG may slowly change should less is done. PNG has the potential to shift policy outcomes by using energy as a bargaining chip to gain more where it independently calculates as necessary in consistent with its national interest.