From the Kokoda Track to the Battle of Milne Bay, Australia and Papua New Guinea share a rich history of standing together in times of adversity, our nations have fought side by side and step by step to protect our people and our way of life. On 24 February 2025, two Royal Australian Air Force F-35A Lightning fighter jets from the 75 Squadron completed a flypast over Jackson International Airport enroute to Australia. Commanding Officer - Papua New Guinea Defence Force Air Transport Wing, Lieutenant Colonel Douglas Vavar and Australian Defence Advisor, Colonel Nicholas Trotter were both on hand to welcome RAAF pilots including Commanding Officer 75 Squadron, Wing Commander Andrew Nilson during their lightning visit. With Australia and PNG having a long history of defence cooperation, the visit from 75 Squadron today is just one example of the enduring relationship between our defence forces that extends from the battles of WWII, through to the work our soldiers, sailors, and aviators do together each day as part of our Defence Cooperation Program. The 75 Squadron’s historical connection to PNG is one of courage and resilience. The squadron’s Kittyhawk fighters first landed in Port Moresby in March 1942, playing a crucial role in defending PNG from invasion. The history that 75 Squadron has with PNG is just one small piece of the enduring defence connection between our countries. From the air, the land, and the seas, the defence forces of Australia and PNG have stood side by side. In PNG’s 50th anniversary year, we look forward to what the future of our defence cooperation will bring.