The Australian Defence Force (ADF) is preparing to recruit young Papua New Guineans under a new $65 million trial program, marking an important development in the defence relationship between Australia and its northern neighbour. The announcement was made on Tuesday, 20 October 2026, during a high-level meeting between Australian and Papua New Guinean ministers in Port Moresby.

Under the two-year pilot program, applications are expected to open on 16 November 2026. The initial intake will aim to recruit approximately 100 Papua New Guineans, with the first successful applicants expected to be sworn into the Australian military by late 2027.

The scheme will initially target students and recent graduates from two institutions: the University of Papua New Guinea in Port Moresby and Pacific Adventist University in the region. Applicants must be between 18 and 25 years old and must not have previously served in Papua New Guinea's military, police force or other government security institutions.

Candidates will be required to meet Australian Defence Force recruitment standards, including security and suitability requirements. Participation in the program will not guarantee acceptance, as applicants must pass the relevant assessments.

Successful recruits will initially serve in Australia on temporary visas. To continue serving in the ADF, they will eventually need to obtain Australian citizenship, according to the announced recruitment arrangements.

The initiative comes as Australia continues efforts to strengthen its military workforce. Recruitment shortages have been a concern for the ADF, although enlistment numbers have improved in recent years. Defence officials say starting with a relatively small group will allow the program to be tested before any expansion is considered.

Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles said the pilot would establish the processes needed to ensure the program was sustainable and beneficial to both countries. The government has allocated $65 million to support the trial and its initial implementation.

For Papua New Guinean students, the opportunity could provide military training, employment and a potential pathway towards a long-term career in Australia. Moria Digori, a fourth-year political science student at the University of Papua New Guinea, told ABC News that she was interested in applying. She identified financial stability and improved living standards as potential attractions for young applicants.

The recruitment plan is connected to the Pukpuk Treaty, a landmark defence agreement between Australia and Papua New Guinea that entered into force in July 2026. The treaty enables both countries to recruit each other's citizens into their respective armed forces and includes a mutual-defence commitment in the event of an armed attack.

The agreement reflects the countries' shared strategic interests in the Pacific region. Both governments have emphasised the importance of closer defence cooperation, regional stability and improved coordination between their military forces.

Papua New Guinea has also been discussing the possibility of a much larger recruitment pathway in the future. However, the current pilot is deliberately limited in scale, and any expansion will depend on how the initial program operates.

The announcement may create new opportunities for eligible young people while also raising practical questions about training, relocation, citizenship and long-term military service. Applicants will need to understand the obligations associated with joining a foreign military, including the requirement to meet Australian standards and continue qualifying for service.

The next major milestone will be the opening of applications in November. The results of the first recruitment round will help determine whether the program can expand and whether it becomes a lasting part of Australia's military recruitment strategy.