Australia Delivers Bell 412 Helicopters To PNG Police

Australia Delivers Bell 412 Helicopters To PNG Police

Australia has delivered two Bell 412 helicopters to the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary in a major boost to policing and emergency response operations across the country.

The helicopters arrived in Lae yesterday under the Papua New Guinea-Australia Policing Partnership and are expected to strengthen crime prevention, search and rescue missions, and rapid deployment operations in remote regions.

Deputy Prime Minister and Lae MP John Rosso, who officiated at the handover ceremony, described the arrival as a historic moment for the police force.

“This is the first of its kind for the RPNGC to have such aviation capabilities that will help boost the work of the police,” Mr Rosso said.

He said the support reflected the strong partnership between Papua New Guinea and Australia and thanked the Australian Federal Police for providing the aircraft.

Police Commissioner David Manning said the helicopters would significantly improve police mobility and operational reach in difficult terrain.

“PNG’s remote and vast terrain makes the return of the helicopters essential for preventing crime and keeping our people safe,” Commissioner Manning said.

The helicopters are expected to begin frontline operations after all aviation compliance requirements are completed. They will support law and order operations, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions throughout the country.

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