Australia launches aerial surveillance programme
The Australian Department of Defence (DoD) has begun an aerial surveillance service across the Central and Western Pacific region as part of the government’s $2 billion Pacific Maritime Security programme, the DoD announced on 28 January.
Once implemented, two long-range aircraft will provide up to 1,400 hours of aerial surveillance every year across the Western and Central Pacific region.
According to DoD, the surveillance, in conjunction with the Pacific Patrol Boat programme will provide targeted maritime patrol and enhance the ability of Pacific Island countries to defend against regional maritime security threats such as transnational crime and illegal fishing. Pacific countries will have access to surveillance information to support intelligence-targeted patrolling and protection of their resources.
The $10 million aerial surveillance service is funded by the Australian DoD, and aircraft tasking will be coordinated by the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA), along with communication with regional maritime law enforcement agencies.
The Australian DoD has engaged Technology Service Corporation to provide the aerial surveillance service.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Khabarovsk submarine launch reflects Russia’s nuclear modernisation progress]()
Khabarovsk submarine launch reflects Russia’s nuclear modernisation progress
The nuclear-powered vessel, which could carry the Poseidon autonomous torpedo – dubbed the “doomsday missile” – marks another step forward in Russia’s maritime defence push.
-
![First Canadian Coast Guard Polar Icebreaker is “on track” for keel laying in late 2026]()
First Canadian Coast Guard Polar Icebreaker is “on track” for keel laying in late 2026
Canadian Coast Guard Ship Arpatuuq construction is in the block manufacturing phase. Once built, it will be the largest vessel in the Coast Guard’s inventory.
-
![US Navy extends the deadline for submitting proposals for the Next Generation Logistics Ship]()
US Navy extends the deadline for submitting proposals for the Next Generation Logistics Ship
NAVSEA plans to select up to three suppliers for the concept design phase of the programme in Q2 FY2026.
-
![Advances in USV technology help develop tomorrow’s hybrid fleet]()
Advances in USV technology help develop tomorrow’s hybrid fleet
As services like the Royal Navy and US Navy aim to develop hybrid fleets to reduce reliance on and dangers to crewed vessels, L3Harris, Metal Shark and Red Cat step forward.
