New P-8A arrives at RAAF Base Edinburgh
The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) has received its twelfth and final P-8A Poseidon at RAAF Base Edinburgh.
The P-8A Poseidon and the MQ-4C Triton UAS are replacing Australia's AP-3C Orion fleet, providing anti-submarine and maritime surveillance capabilities.
Minister for Defence, Linda Reynold, said: ‘The aircraft can be refuelled while flying by tanker aircraft such as Australia’s KC-30A, making it possible to patrol Australia’s isolated Southern Ocean territories.
‘The P-8A is already providing significant operational support to Australia, including a recent mission to the Middle East region on Operation MANITOU as part of the International Maritime Security Construct.’
The Australian government is investing $470 million to deliver new and upgraded facilities and airfield works at RAAF Base Edinburgh to support the introduction of the P-8A fleet.
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