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Australia will gain access to the Papua New Guinean defence infrastructure and troops under a recently concluded pact that will ensure both nations provide mutual defense if an armed conflict occurs.

“Our primary security collaboration is with Australia, a stance that is acknowledged... No other diplomatic ties have been affected,” stated the Papua New Guinea leader.

The security treaty will permit as many as 10,000 PNG citizens to enlist in Australia's military. They will also have the option to become Australian citizens.

Treaty Details

Referred to as the Crocodile Agreement (meaning "the crocodile" in Papua New Guinean pidgin), the two-nation deal is the latest in a line of deals struck between regional states and nations competing for a military influence in the area.

The pact can deliver a strong response and, like a crocodile, its bite force speaks of the cooperation and readiness of the defence units for hostilities.

A military assault on any signatory would be “a risk to mutual safety” so both should “respond to the shared threat”.

Deeper Partnership

The pact also covered greater collaboration around digital domains and electromagnetic warfare.

Previously, the defence official from Papua New Guinea indicated that the treaty would mean that the military units of both nations would be “fully combined”.

• Initially, to curb foreign presence in the nation by making certain it does not have the comparable reach to facilities.
• Furthermore, to resolve Australia's recent difficulties recruiting for its military.
• In conclusion, the pact also sends a message to foreign governments.

The benefits of the deal were three-pronged, per analysis from a defence analyst.

“There is a surplus of fit and willing individuals in PNG ready for such roles,” it was explained, noting that numerous individuals would be attracted by the opportunities of living in Australia and possibly getting Australian citizenship.

Area Impact

The deal represents an element in a termed hub and spokes network of military treaties in the region – with the nation at the core and Pacific states being the allies.

Some have raised issues that the pact undermines the nation's inclusive and neutral international approach by linking PNG with its partner on every defence issue.

Both sides need more precise understanding on the anticipated outcomes, obligations and assurances.

The deal also included annual joint military exercises which were about “strategic messaging,” to “demonstrate combined operational readiness and rapid response to regional dangers”.

The pact would help modernise the defence force, bringing a notable improvement in both material and confidence.