Papua New Guinea: Government seeks increased Indonesian support for PNGDF air capability, but local maintenance will remain an ongoing issue
On 7 July, the Indonesian Minister of Defence visited his PNG counterpart, Dr Billy Joseph, in Port Moresby for discussions including the PNGDF Sovereign Air Capability Plan. Two CASA 235 have been grounded since 2015 due to unresolved mechanical issues. The PNGDF’s intent is to have one CASA 235 flying by the 50th independence anniversary celebrations on 16 September, and to acquire a new CASA 295 and two H145 helicopters from Airbus. Indonesia purchased four H145 helicopters in September 2024 which will be reassembled and undergo final customisation at PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI) in Bandung. According to media reports, Indonesia and PNG have agreed that PTDI will carry out the work to bring the CASA 235 up to flying standard.
Assessment: The PNGDF air element has recently relied on PAC-750 and contracted helicopters for light transport and search and rescue operations. The CASA types will provide an increased transport capability. PM Marape has publicly sought greater engagement with Indonesia, particularly since the election of President Prabowo Subianto in 2024. Indonesia is almost certainly looking to benefit from the introduction into service and ongoing maintenance, repair and overhaul of the CASA types and H145. Aircraft availability has been a chronic weakness for the PNGDF air element and there has been no indication of training for PNGDF personnel to carry out maintenance in PNG during current negotiations between the two countries.
Sources: “Defence Minister Attends Defence 2025 Expo & Forum in Jakarta,” Post-Courier, June 12, 2025; Miriam Zarriga, “Indonesian Minister for Defence Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin Arrives into Port Moresby,” Post-Courier, July 7, 2025; “Indonesian Air Force Orders Four Airbus H145 Helicopters,” Airbus, press release, September 18, 2024; Nikolaus Loy and Hipolitus Wangge, “Marape wants more Indonesia–PNG engagement,” East Asia Forum, 27 September 2024.
