AUSTRALIAN UH-60M BLACK HAWKS TRAIN IN PNG FOR FIRST TIME DURING EXERCISE HELICON LUK 2026
Australian Army UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters have arrived in Papua New Guinea for the first time, joining Exercise Helicon Luk 2026 to train in the country’s demanding mountain environment.
The annual exercise sees ADF aircrews practice moving people, equipment and supplies across PNG. This year’s milestone deployment will include flying operations in the Owen Stanley Range and Central Highlands, with the Black Hawks operating out of Port Moresby over the coming weeks.
Exercise Helicon Luk is conducted under the PNG-Australia Mutual Defence Treaty, or Pukpuk Treaty. Defence said the activity strengthens interoperability between the two forces and supports a safer, more secure and resilient region.
ADF Commander of the 16th Aviation Brigade, Brigadier Fern Thompson, said PNG provides some of the most challenging flying conditions in the region. “The deployment of the UH-60M Black Hawk to Papua New Guinea, for the first time, is a significant milestone for Army Aviation,” Brigadier Thompson said.
“Operating across PNG’s mountainous terrain presents unique and challenging training for pilots and aircrew, ensuring we are prepared to conduct operations.”
Task Unit Commander Lieutenant Colonel Christopher Porada said the exercise highlights the close cooperation between the nations.
“Exercises such as Helicon Luk provide a valuable opportunity for our personnel to train in Papua New Guinea while strengthening the relationships that support ongoing regional engagement and cooperation,” Lieutenant Colonel Porada said.
“The first deployment of the Black Hawk to PNG demonstrates our commitment to the PNG–Australia Alliance and supporting security and stability across our region.”
Communities in and around Port Moresby and other parts of PNG may see and hear the aircraft conducting training activities during the exercise.
