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Australia confirmed it will provide 3,500 Australian Combat Assault Rifles to the Papua New Guinea Defence Force as part of a $35 million defense aid package. This decision was announced during a Senate discussion on 11 February.

The rifles, made by Thales Australia, are part of the PNG-Australia Mutual Defence Treaty and aim to improve PNGDF's operational capabilities. The manufacturing will take place at the Lithgow facility, ensuring a sovereign defense capability. The PNGDF has previously utilized M16A2 and L1A1 SLR rifles, contrasting with the ADF's EF88 bullpup rifles.