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.