The Quiet Achievers – Australian Defence Magazine

They may be flying the smallest aircraft in Exercise Pitch Black 2026, but the crews of the Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) Air Transport Wing (ATW) must surely have the largest hearts.

Flying just two small Pacific Aerospace PAC750XL light turboprop transport aircraft amongst almost 100 fast jets during the exercise, the PNGDF participated in both Blue Air (friendly) and Red Air (adversary) missions, as well as maintaining a regular shuttle service between RAAF Darwin and Tindal – the two main bases in the Northern Territory.

Such a scenario might involve the PAC750XL covertly inserting a small force of Special Forces into the Bradshaw Field Training Area as part of Red Air, without being engaged by the defending Blue Air fighters.

Formed in 1975, the Air Transport Wing celebrated its 50^th anniversary last year and has ambitious plans to grow in terms of both manpower and aircraft over the coming years. ADM understands this will also include the reintroduction of at least one of its previously inactive Airbus CN235, following overhaul in Indonesia.

While they made their debut at Pitch Black 2024, this year’s exercise sees the ATW return with a larger footprint and an expansion of roles.

“We’re excited to be part of this exercise,” PAC750XL pilot, Lieutenant Heydan Chan, explained.

“We are different from all the fighters out there with a transport aircraft capable of short take-off and landing. We actually had the opportunity to take part with the fighters in the exercise itself. It’s fun, flying here in Australia is different from flying back home.”

The PNGDF contingent is composed of pilots, maintenance personnel, support staff, cooks and Military Police and their journey to and from Port Moresby was supported by C-27J Spartan transport aircraft from No.35 Squadron, RAAF.

“When we finish this exercise here and do go back to PNG we will plan our own exercises, and our exposure here will be good moving forward in those,” LT Chan added.

“We’ve learned a lot in terms of mission planning and timings as well – like Times on Target (TOT). For myself, the biggest thing is basically the airspace, it’s different to back home.”

To aid the future growth of the ATW, a bilateral agreement with Australia is currently overseeing the training of eight pilots in Townsville.

PNGDF crews initially train on Cessna 172 aircraft with the National Aviation Academy in Townsville, before returning home to undertake a type rating on the PAC750XL.

“As the number of crews goes up, the number of platforms will also increase,” LT Chan said.