At the request of Papua New Guinea, Defence has agreed to arm the Papua New Guinea Defence Force’s four new Guardian-class Patrol Boats, delivered through the Pacific Maritime Security Program.
Papua New Guinea Pacific-class Patrol Boats were previously armed.
Defence says it will provide a comprehensive support and training package.
The first Guardian-class Patrol Boat provided to Papua New Guinea, HMPNGS Ted Diro, was handed over in 2018.
The second, HMPNGS Rochus Lokinap, was delivered to Papua New Guinea in 2021. A further two patrol boats are under construction.
The 39.5 metre steel patrol boats are designed and built by Austal in Western Australia.
Two Guardian Class Patrol Boats were recently launched simultaneously on the AMC CUF Floating Dock, a first of its kind at the AMC Common User Facility.