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The Australian nation will gain access to PNG's defence infrastructure and soldiers under a new pact that will result in both nations come to each other's defence if either is under attack.

“We have told them that Australia is our security partner of choice and they understand our alliances here... Other aspects of our relations have never been compromised,” stated PNG's Prime Minister.

The pact will enable up to 10,000 PNG citizens to join the nation's armed forces. They will also have the choice to become Australian citizens.

Agreement Specifics

Referred to as the Pukpuk Pact (which translates to "crocodile" in Papua New Guinean pidgin), the two-nation deal is the latest in a succession of treaties struck between Pacific nations and powers seeking a security presence in the region.

This agreement can deliver a strong response and, like a crocodile, its bite force speaks of the joint capability and preparedness of the defence units for war.

An armed attack on any signatory would be “dangerous to the other's peace and security” so both should “act to meet the common danger”.

Expanded Cooperation

This agreement also included greater collaboration around digital domains and electromagnetic warfare.

In prior statements, the national security leader said that the treaty would mean that defence personnel from each country would be “completely unified”.

• To begin with, to restrict external influence in Papua New Guinea by guaranteeing it does not have the same level of access to resources.
• Second, to address Australia's recent challenges enlisting new personnel.
• Finally, the deal also demonstrates a stance to international actors.

The benefits of the deal were multi-faceted, according to a regional security expert.

“There is a surplus of fit and willing individuals in PNG ready for such roles,” the expert noted, noting that a significant number would be drawn to the possibilities of moving to Australia and possibly obtaining citizenship.

Pacific Consequences

This agreement represents an element in a termed core-and-periphery system of security agreements in the Pacific – with Australia at the heart and island nations being the spokes.

Questions have emerged that the pact undermines PNG's non-aligned foreign policy position by aligning PNG with its partner on each safety concern.

The two nations need more precise understanding on the anticipated outcomes, duties and commitments.

This agreement also included regular collaborative training which were about “communicating intent,” to “demonstrate combined operational readiness and rapid response to regional dangers”.

The pact would help update the defence force, bringing a significant boost in both material and morale.