Papua New Guinea and U.S. Strengthen Military Ties with Record Participation in Exercise Tamiok Strike
By Staff Reporter
The Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) and the United States military concluded their fifth joint training initiative, Exercise Tamiok Strike, with a closing ceremony held yesterday at Murray Barracks in Port Moresby. This year’s exercise saw an unprecedented level of PNGDF engagement, signaling a deepening security partnership between the two nations.
Six PNGDF company-level units participated in the two-week training, a sharp increase from the one or two units involved in prior iterations since the exercise’s inception in 2021. The expanded participation reflects the growing strategic importance of the exercise and the strengthening defense ties in the Indo-Pacific region.
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| Papua New Guinea and U.S. Strengthen Military Ties with Record Participation in Exercise Tamiok Strike [Photo by PNGDF] |
Speaking at the ceremony, PNGDF Deputy Chief of Defence Force, Brigadier General Opa Lari, hailed the record turnout as a testament to the evolving relationship with the U.S. military. “This iteration of Exercise Tamiok Strike has been a milestone,” Lari remarked. “The participation of six units, compared to one or two in previous years, showcases the progression of our cooperation.”
The exercise, observed by U.S. Army Pacific’s Major General Okamura, focused on enhancing interoperability between the forces. Brigadier General Lari credited the recently signed defense cooperation agreement between Papua New Guinea and the United States as a cornerstone for enabling more robust joint training. “This agreement has laid the groundwork for integrated exercises that sharpen our collective capabilities,” he noted.
The training delivered practical benefits for PNGDF personnel, equipping them with skills critical to their operational roles. According to Lari, the knowledge gained will enhance the force’s readiness to address regional security challenges.
Exercise Tamiok Strike 2025 underscores a shared commitment to fostering stability in the Indo-Pacific, a region of increasing geopolitical significance. The marked increase in PNGDF participation highlights a maturing partnership poised to navigate the complex security dynamics of the area, with both nations prioritizing interoperability and joint preparedness.
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