Securing PNG’s Maritime Domain: The Case for Satellite Ownership and Strategic Partnership with Israel

In an era of intensifying geopolitical competition and rising transnational threats, PNG must rethink its national security priorities with greater urgency and innovation. One area that demands immediate attention is maritime security. As an island state with vast and resource-rich maritime zones, PNG cannot afford to remain blind to illicit activities that occur daily across its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). One transformative step forward would be to acquire or gain access to satellite technology that can support persistent surveillance and enhance maritime domain awareness.

Screenshot of the article by Marian Faa and Theckla Gunga.

PNG currently relies heavily on external partners to monitor its maritime boundaries, particularly in the context of illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, human trafficking, and transnational crime. While these partnerships remain important, they are not substitutes for sovereign capacity. Satellite capabilities—particularly those enabling automatic identification system tracking, synthetic aperture radar, and high-resolution imagery—would allow PNG to conduct real-time vessel monitoring, detect suspicious activities, and respond more effectively to maritime incidents. A satellite is not merely a technological asset; it is a national security multiplier.

This ambition is not far-fetched. A number of small states and developing countries are exploring low-earth orbit satellite constellations and shared satellite services through multilateral arrangements or strategic partnerships. PNG, too, can pursue this path—either independently or in collaboration with trusted allies. The long-term benefits would outweigh the costs, especially if aligned with a broader national security strategy that integrates space, cyber, and intelligence domains.

In this context, deepening cooperation with Israel is both timely and strategic. The recent public revelation of Israel being on PNG’s foreign policy “wish list” reflects an underappreciated opportunity. Israel is a global leader in space technology, intelligence gathering, cybersecurity, and border surveillance. It has supported satellite launches for various states and offers tailored support packages that combine technology transfer, training, and operational capacity-building. A well-negotiated partnership with Israel could help PNG bridge critical capability gaps in intelligence and national security.

Moreover, Israel’s expertise in building integrated national security architectures—from coastal surveillance systems to cyber defence networks—can help PNG modernise institutions such as the National Intelligence Organization, the PNG Defence Force, and the National Security Agency Secretariat formerly known as the Office of Security Coordination and Assessment. These agencies have long operated with limited resources and outdated tools. Access to Israeli technical support and training would empower them to operate proactively in a rapidly changing threat environment, especially across the maritime domain.

Importantly, any cooperation with Israel or acquisition of satellite technology must be grounded in transparent governance frameworks. These should ensure sovereignty is protected, data is securely handled, and all activities are consistent with PNG’s constitutional and foreign policy principles. PNG must avoid dependency traps or opaque technology transfers that lack long-term capacity development. As such, collaboration with Israel should be part of a diversified security diplomacy strategy that includes Australia, the United States, Japan, and regional Pacific partners.

A proactive maritime security strategy, enabled by satellite surveillance and strategic partnerships, will not only enhance PNG’s national security but also support economic resilience. The fisheries sector, for example, loses millions annually to IUU fishing. Improved surveillance would increase compliance, enforcement, and revenue. Furthermore, early warning systems enabled by satellites can mitigate the impacts of climate-related disasters, protecting coastal communities and infrastructure.

In sum, PNG must take bold steps to secure its maritime future. Satellite ownership or access is not a luxury—it is a strategic imperative. Working with Israel offers one viable path to building that capacity. As global threats grow more complex and technology-driven, PNG’s response must evolve accordingly. Investing in space and intelligence partnerships today will pay long-term dividends for national sovereignty, economic security, and regional stability.