NZ Army successfully conducts first high explosive exercise in PNG for more than 30 years

A New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) contingent drawn from various units within 1st (NZ) Brigade and Joint Support Group has concluded a milestone exercise in Papua New Guinea.

15 August, 2025

The exercise included the first high explosive live fire training activitywith the Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) in more than 30 years.

Gunners from the New Zealand Army’s 16^th Field Regiment led a L16A2, 81mm Mortar training course for their PNGDF counterparts - the first time NZ Army personnel have led such an exercise in Papua New Guinea.

The course was run in order to assist the PNGDF in regenerating its own mortar capability. 16^th Field Regiment’s 163 Battery Commander, Major Jake Boersen, said 30 PNGDF personnel were now qualified as a result of the training.

“Getting the students to a standard where they were able to conduct a successful live fire, high explosive practice is a testament to the high level of instruction provided by NZDF trainers and the positive attitude and commitment of the students. It was the first time in more than thirty years the PNGDF has conducted something of that nature, and it went really well. All in all it was an extremely worthwhile exercise,” said Major Boersen.

1^st (NZ) Brigade Commander, Colonel Mike van Welie, visited the contingent last week and said the exercise – which included 110 personnel from both countries and a variety of training opportunities - was a prime example of how the NZ Army operated alongside its partners in the region.

“This was a fantastic opportunity for us to assist our PNGDF partners, but also gain significant value in return,” said Colonel van Welie.

“This type of combined training also significantly enhances our relationships and interoperability with the PGNDF, who are a key partner in the Pacific. It’s crucial for us as Ngāti Tūmatauenga – an Army that’s from, and of the Pacific – to play our role in ensuring a peaceful and stable region, and exercises like these do just that.”

A PNGDF soldier wearing military uniform and camouflage paint sits next to a mortar with a NZ Army soldier in the background.

Thirty PNGDF personnel were qualified as a result of the NZ Army training course

A PNGDF medic cares for a soldier in a mock casualty scenario as a NZDF medic watches on.

NZDF medical personnel providing realistic scenarios to test soldiers’ combat care.

A soldier runs through tall grass towards the left of the frame while holding the MARS-L rifle to the sky. Two other soliders sit low in the grass in the background.

The jungles of Papua New Guinea offered valuable training opportunities for NZ Army personnel

Two soldiers, one from PNGDF and one from NZ Army smile at each other in the wilderness.

It was the first time NZ Army gunners from 16th Field Regiment have led an exercise alongside their PNGDF counterparts

NZDF personnel drawn from the Joint Support Group also delivered medical training, which focused on providing care to patients in combat situations. The theory was later tested in practice, pushing PNGDF personnel to apply their knowledge in increasingly complex and realistic scenarios.

The 50-strong contingent included NZ Army workshops personnel, ammunition technicians, supply technicians, and caterers, all of whom were tested by operating in the hot jungle for close to a month.

NZ Army soldiers also gained valuable training in return, with the PNGDF sharing their expertise in challenging close-combat jungle conditions that are nearly impossible to replicate in New Zealand.

“The training provided by our PNGDF partners has been top notch and has allowed our officers and soldiers to build on their individual soldiering skills. Through this training I have witnessed my officers and soldiers move from surviving in the jungle to thriving in it,” said Major Boersen.

The contingent will return to New Zealand later this week.