NZ Army gunners primed for historic PNG exercise

New Zealand Army gunners from 16th Field Regiment, Royal Regiment of New Zealand Artillery (RNZA) recently conducted a mortar live firing exercise in the Waiouru Military Training Area in preparation for a large exercise in Papua New Guinea (PNG) later this month.

16th Field Regiment will send a training team to PNG to deliver mortar training to the Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF), culminating with a live fire exercise. PNGDF will reciprocate by delivering jungle training to NZ Army gunners.

This will be the first time 16th Field Regiment will have the opportunity to train alongside our PNGDF partners, and the contingent is looking forward to both assisting the development of their mortar capability, and to receive training from the PNGDF.

Commanding Officer of 16th Field Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel Brent Morris said this type of reciprocal training activity showed the versatility and relevance RNZA brings to the New Zealand Defence Force.

“This is a great opportunity for our officers and soldiers to deliver effective training to a partner nation, and to learn from them in their own areas of expertise. Jungle operations are an area PNGDF excel at, and we are excited to receive training from their instructors.”

He said the next stage is preparing the contingent for deployment and working with logistics and RNZAF counterparts to get our personnel and equipment to PNG.

“Deploying a large contingent and a considerable amount of freight means multiple C-130J-30 Hercules flights. Once we’re on the ground at Port Moresby we will be supported by the PNGDF,” said Lieutenant Colonel Morris.

He said the dynamic security situation in our region highlights the importance of working alongside our partners, which is more important than ever in ensuring the security and stability of the Pacific region.

“The PNGDF and the New Zealand Army are both focused on warfighting, and opportunities like these – where we enhance each other’s warfighting capability - are vital in maintaining that focus,” said Lieutenant Colonel Morris.