HA/DR (Heavy Engineering Equipment Maintenance)

Program Outline

The Ministry of Defense (MOD) and the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) conducted a capacity building program for the Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) Engineer Battalion from October 1 to 13, 2026.

The program is aimed at providing personnel who will serve as instructors in engineering equipment maintenance with the knowledge and skills necessary for workshop management, safety management, and maintenance supervision. By enhancing the Engineer Battalion’s maintenance capabilities and strengthening its ability to properly maintain and manage engineering equipment so that it can be reliably operated in times of disaster, the program ultimately aims to enhance the PNGDF’s capabilities in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HA/DR).

During the program, instructors from the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) Engineer School provided PNGDF Engineer Battalion personnel with training and advice on maintenance planning for malfunctioning engineering equipment, teaching and instructional methods, and improvements to the maintenance environment. The PNGDF personnel also developed training plans and conducted training themselves, thereby enhancing not only their maintenance knowledge and skills but also their ability to train and instruct other personnel.

These activities were designed to enable the Engineer Battalion to independently and continuously maintain and further develop its maintenance capabilities even after the completion of the program.

The MOD will continue to promote defense cooperation and exchanges between Japan and Papua New Guinea through this program, contributing not only to regional peace and stability but also to the improvement of the global security environment.

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