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
-
![UK MoD’s confirmation of MBDA missile for Type 26 points to more European collaboration]()
UK MoD’s confirmation of MBDA missile for Type 26 points to more European collaboration
The Type 26 will also be fitted with the Sea Ceptor vertically launched air defence system that can fire CAMM missiles and a 24-cell Mk 41 vertical launch system that can fire the Tomahawk land-attack cruise missiles, anti-submarine rockets and long-range anti-ship missiles.
-
![Second Royal Canadian Navy Joint Support Ship is on schedule to be launched mid-2026]()
Second Royal Canadian Navy Joint Support Ship is on schedule to be launched mid-2026
While the first Joint Support Ship is currently in the final stages of outfitting, the second one is on schedule for launching next year.
-
![Is South Korea finally being taken seriously for Western submarine programmes?]()
Is South Korea finally being taken seriously for Western submarine programmes?
South Korean shipbuilders are beginning to make their mark beyond Asia, competing for major North American and European submarine programmes and becoming serious contenders on a global scale.
-
![AUKUS Pillar 2 could narrow focus to “four key areas” says UK official]()
AUKUS Pillar 2 could narrow focus to “four key areas” says UK official
Few concrete ideas have emerged so far on which “advanced capabilities” will be brought forward under Pillar 2 of the AUKUS partnership, but the Pentagon’s review of the programme could bring more clarity.
