PNG Defence Force - Air Wing

Papua New Guinea Defence Force Air Wing

The Papua New Guinea Defence Force Air Transport Squadron was formed in 1974 and uses a roundel made of yellow bird of paradise on green disc bordered with red and black rings.

The PNG Defence Force (PNGDF) is solely dependant on PNG Government funding. The PNG Government often relies on donor countries, such as Australia, for support, training, supplies and equipment for the Defence Force. This is logical since the country was under the control of Australia until it became independent on the 16th of September 1975. In December 1973 PNG gained self-governance, which led to the formation of the defence ministry in December 1974 before Independence. The aviation unit within the PNGDF is the Air Transport Wing that was established as a Unit in 1975 when the first aircraft (C-47B Dakotas) were delivered.

The PNG Defence have used five airbases in PNG: Lae, Madang, Port Moresby, Rabaul and Wewak. Up until the closure of Lae City airport the main airbase was in Lae with Port Moresby as second. This has now changed and most of the time the small fleet of aircraft and helicopters of the PNGDF can be found, often waiting for repairs or even the purchase of fuel, at the Port Moresby base at Jackson's airport - on the other side of the runway to the civil aviation operators. Occasionally Australian military transport aircraft and helicopters on temporary detachments are also at Jackson's but located near the Air Niugini cargo shed on the other side to the PNG Defence Force.

The PNG Defence Force has had C47's, GAF N22 (Nomad), IAI201 (Aravas), Bell Iroquois and other aircraft.

RAAF Training Aid - Dakota_A65-122