Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has reaffirmed his Government’s K500 million commitment to rebuilding and modernising the Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) air capabilities as CASA aircraft P2-502 departed for Indonesia today for major calendar servicing.
Speaking at the official send-off ceremony at the PNGDF Air Transport Wing in Port Moresby, Prime Minister Marape described the occasion as an important milestone in restoring the country’s defence capabilities and fulfilling a commitment he made in August 2021.
“Five years ago, I stood at this very location and made a commitment that we would restore this aircraft and rebuild the operational capabilities of our Defence Force Air Transport Wing,” he said.
“Today, we are witnessing another important step towards fulfilling that commitment. Our Defence Force is the embodiment of our national sovereignty, and this Government remains fully committed to rebuilding and strengthening it.”
Prime Minister Marape said the National Executive Council, through Decision No. 244/2026, had committed K500 million towards rebuilding and modernising the PNGDF’s air capabilities.
The programme includes the recovery of a second CASA aircraft, P2-501, the acquisition of a new upgraded CASA aircraft, and investment in pilot training, aircraft engineering, technical personnel and maintenance systems.
“This is a substantial investment in our national security and sovereignty. We must ensure that our Defence Force has the aircraft, equipment, personnel and technical capabilities required to serve our country effectively,” he said.
Prime Minister Marape recalled that in August 2021, Indonesia assisted in returning the serviced engine of P2-502 from Bandung aboard an Indonesian military Hercules aircraft.
The National Government subsequently committed K50 million towards the aircraft’s recovery and rehabilitation.
He acknowledged that the restoration process had taken longer than anticipated because of complex technical and airworthiness requirements.
“There can be no shortcuts when it comes to aviation safety. We must ensure that every aircraft returning to service meets the highest safety and operational standards,” he said.
The CASA CN235-100 is a twin-engine turboprop aircraft capable of transporting approximately six tonnes of cargo or 40 personnel and operating from short and unsealed airstrips.
Prime Minister Marape said this made it particularly important for Papua New Guinea, where difficult terrain, scattered islands and limited road infrastructure continued to present challenges in delivering essential services.
“Restoring this aircraft is not simply about putting another plane into the sky. It is about strengthening the capacity of the State to reach our people, respond to emergencies and protect our sovereignty,” he said.
Prime Minister Marape thanked the Government and people of Indonesia for their continuing friendship and defence cooperation, particularly through PT Dirgantara Indonesia, which will undertake the aircraft’s major servicing in Bandung.
He acknowledged Indonesian Ambassador His Excellency Okto Dorinus Manik and said the partnership reflected the strong relationship between the two neighbouring countries.
“Indonesia is one of our closest and most important neighbours. We appreciate its steadfast partnership with Papua New Guinea, not only on this occasion but throughout our longstanding relationship,” he said.
“Our defence partnerships are never intended to compromise our sovereignty. They are intended to strengthen our own Defence Force and prepare it for the challenges of today and tomorrow.”
Prime Minister Marape said Papua New Guinea would continue strengthening defence cooperation with Indonesia, Australia and other international partners, including through the Pukpuk Treaty with Australia, which entered into force on 8 July 2026.
He emphasised that investment in defence was necessary in an increasingly uncertain international security environment, particularly as modern warfare became more technologically advanced.
“Investment in defence is not an investment for war. It is an investment for peace. When we invest in defence, we secure peace within our borders and strengthen our ability to maintain peaceful relationships with the world around us.”
He said Papua New Guinea must strengthen its aviation, maritime, infantry and technological capabilities over the next decade as the country progresses towards its 60th anniversary of independence.
Prime Minister Marape also stressed the importance of protecting Papua New Guinea’s vast land and maritime territories against illegal fishing, drug trafficking, transnational crime and other threats to national security.
Turning to the 2027 National General Election, Prime Minister Marape expressed hope that CASA P2-502 would return from Indonesia in the first quarter of next year, following completion of its servicing and airworthiness requirements.
“We want this aircraft back before the elections so that our own Defence Force can assist in transporting our troops, police personnel and election materials throughout the country,” he said.
“This is an important contribution our Defence Force can make towards ensuring the successful conduct of our National General Election.”
Prime Minister Marape also called for continued work towards restoring the second CASA aircraft and strengthening the PNGDF’s helicopter capabilities.
He thanked Defence Minister Hon. Elias Kapavore, PNGDF Commander Rear Admiral Philip Polewara, Defence Secretary Hari John Akipe, the Air Transport Wing and all personnel involved in the aircraft recovery programme.
“The Defence Force is the embodiment of our national sovereignty. It deserves the full support of this Government and every government that comes after us,” Prime Minister Marape said.
“We will continue investing in our Defence Force, building its capabilities and ensuring that it is ready to serve and protect our people, our resources and our sovereignty.”
Prime Minister Marape concluded by wishing the ferry crew and technical personnel a safe journey to Indonesia.
“Safe journey, EAGLE-502. May God bless the Papua New Guinea Defence Force and the Independent State of Papua New Guinea.”