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.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Netherlands to acquire Finnish littoral assault craft in LCVP replacement programme]()
Netherlands to acquire Finnish littoral assault craft in LCVP replacement programme
The Dutch navy had reportedly been considering BAE Systems’ Littoral Strike Craft to replace its ageing landing craft fleet.
-
![Swedish navy moves to final phase of Blekinge-class sub production with new Saab order]()
Swedish navy moves to final phase of Blekinge-class sub production with new Saab order
Saab Kockums was initially awarded the contract to build two A26 submarines for the Royal Swedish Navy in 2015, but the programme has faced delays and escalating costs.
-
![Germany goes for more US equipment for F127 frigates with SPY-6 radar choice]()
Germany goes for more US equipment for F127 frigates with SPY-6 radar choice
If the foreign military sale request is approved, Germany would be the first country outside the US to acquire the technology, which is currently used extensively by the US Navy.
-
![US continues to review AUKUS submarine deal as HII ticks off new Virginia-class sea trials]()
US continues to review AUKUS submarine deal as HII ticks off new Virginia-class sea trials
The initial sea trials for Virginia-class SSN 798 conducted by Newport News Shipbuilding division and the US Navy marked an “important step”, but the ongoing AUKUS review casts a shadow over what the progress means for the partner nations.
-
![US Navy seeks AI software suppliers to bolster air and missile defence]()
US Navy seeks AI software suppliers to bolster air and missile defence
The US Navy is conducting market research to find AI software products for the Collaborative Integrated Air and Missile Defence Planning Programme.
