Police air wing bolstered with two helicopters

Bell 412 helicopters to the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary at Manalos Aviation-Lae Heliport Section 362, Lae Morobe Province *(Image: NBC News-Phison Artang)*

The Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary [RPNGC] has received a significant support to its operational capabilities following the arrival of two Bell 412 helicopters in Lae today.

The addition of the aircraft is a significant leap forward in combating crime and enhancing search and rescue [SAR] efforts across the country. The acquisition was made possible through the Papua New Guinea-Australia Policing Partnership [PNG-APP].

Deputy Prime Minister and Lae MP John Rosso, who officiated at the presentation, said the arrival was a critical for the 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," Rosso said. "This is the result of the bilateral relationship in our shared history with Australia. I thank the Australian Federal Police for providing these two Bell 412 helicopters through our policing partnership."

Police Commissioner David Manning said the return of a dedicated air wing was essential for modern policing in a country as topographically challenged as Papua New Guinea.

Signing of Gifting documentation by Commissioner David Manning and AFP Assistant Commissioner Global Strategy David Mclean *(Image: NBC News-Phison Artang)*

"PNG’s remote and vast terrain makes the return of the helicopters essential for preventing crime and keeping our people safe," Manning said. "These aircraft will strengthen community safety and enable police to respond where we were previously limited by geography."

The helicopters are expected to enter frontline operations once all aviation regulatory compliance requirements are finalized.

Once deployed, the Bell 412s will be stationed to support some of the country’s most rugged and inaccessible regions. Their primary roles will include the rapid deployment of personnel to high-risk areas, faster response times to law and order incidents, and providing critical support for disaster relief and humanitarian missions.

The Australian Government’s contribution underscores its enduring commitment to supporting the RPNGC’s mission to modernize, professionalize, and extend policing services to every corner of the country.