Australia to order 2 additional Boeing P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft

 

A P-8A Poseidon of the RAAF together with a Hobart-class air defense destroyer of the RAN. Photo c/o Australian Department of Defence.


The Australian Department of Defence (DOD) confirmed that it would be ordering two (2) more P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol and surveillance aircraft, which will increase its fleet to 14 aircraft.

The acquisition will be done through the Cooperative Program between Australia and the US Navy.

Funding has been approved for the planned acquisition, in addition to funding for the sustainment of the MQ-4C Triton long range surveillance unmanned aerial vehicles.

According to Australian Defense Minister Senator Linda Reynolds, the plan is part of a wider A$270 billion (US$208 billion) investment in defense by the incumbent government over the next decade which includes providing Australia with one of the most advanced maritime patrol and response capabilities in the world.

The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) uses the P-8A Poseidon for maritime and overland surveillance and reconnaissance, anti-submarine warfare (ASW), support in search and rescue, and soon will also be equipped to do anti-surface warfare (ASuW).

This is through an existing program to equip the RAAF's P-8A fleet with the Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) which allows it to strike adversary surface vessels at stand-off ranges.

The Australian government also has an ongoing deal with Boeing Defence Australia, with the later investing in facilities worth over A$1 billion (US$770 million), while also providing jobs to Australians in supporting Boeing aircraft with the Australian Defence Force including the P-8A Poseidon.

 In addition, its Cooperative Program with the US Navy allows for the sharing of technical expertise and project costs, as well as development of military technology for both parties.



[1] Australian Department of Defence
[2] Naval News

Australia to order 2 additional Boeing P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft Australia to order 2 additional Boeing P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft Reviewed by Asia Pacific Defense Journal on January 04, 2021 Rating: 5

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