The Papua New Guinea Defence Force, Long Range Reconnaissance Unit commemorated its 30th anniversary yesterday.
The milestone was marked by the Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF), Long Range Reconnaissance Unit (LRU) conducting a demonstration of their specialist skills to dignitaries at Goldie River Training Depot.
The LRRU is an elite unit within the PNGDF who train rigorously to perform complex operations. They must be able to work effectively in small teams in challenging and diverse environments. The LRRU have supported major PNGDF activities and operations including leading Talisman Sabre 2025 exercises conducted in Papua New Guinea (PNG) and completing the most challenging section of the Bulldog Track for Exercise Antap Long Ol 2025 celebrating PNG 50 years of independence.
Friday’s capability demonstration was attended by Chief of the PNGDF, Rear Admiral Philip Polewara, the Australian Assistant Defence Advisor
Lieutenant Colonel Simone Heyer and US Defence Advisor Colonel Isaac Baskins, in addition to other senior PNGDF members including past and present LRRU members.
The demonstration included members of the LRRU repelling out of a Bell412 helicopter and conducting a live firing exercise. The unit demonstrated close personal protection for a VIP in a vehicle that comes under attack, before extracting the VIP safely. Senior members of the LRRU provided briefings on the history of the unit and a static demonstration of equipment used by the LRRU in training and operations.
The Australia Defence Force (ADF) has close ties with the LRRU through the Defence Cooperation Program (DCP), engaging in joint exercises and training to build capability and interoperability in both defence forces. The DCP is proud to work side by side and step by step with the LRRU, further strengthening the longstanding defence partnership between PNG and Australia.
