Newest P-8A joins RAAF fleet
The Royal Australian Air Force’s (RAAF’s) newest P-8A Poseidon has been welcomed into the fleet at a ceremony in Seattle, US.
The aircraft is now undergoing its verification and validation flying in the US and will join the rest of the fleet in Australia, where it will be based at RAAF Base Edinburgh in South Australia
Ten of the twelve aircraft are already operating in Edinburgh, with the remaining two aircraft expected to be in Australia by January 2020.
The P-8A maritime surveillance aircraft fleet is being introduced by the RAAF for anti-submarine warfare, maritime and overland ISR missions, and support for search and rescue operations.
Minister for Defence, Linda Reynolds, said: ‘The arrival of the latest aircraft provides the government with enhanced flexibility to support multiple operations and will play an important role in maintaining border security.’
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
How will SAFE shape naval procurement for Canada and its highest-receiving members?
Canada’s inclusion on the EU’s Security Action for Europe initiative is set to enhance the country’s defence procurement strategy with important implications for some of its naval programmes, while Poland and Romania have also secured significant SAFE funding.
-
Future Canadian Continental Defence Corvette will provide “Halifax-equivalent capabilities”
Although the CDC project is still in its early stages, the Canadian Department of National Defence already has some requirements for the future platforms.
-
US Navy to acquire micro-uncrewed underwater vehicles for ISR and coastal data collection
The Naval Supply Systems Command is seeking authorised resellers of JaiaBot uncrewed underwater vehicles and multivehicle pods. The platforms will support undergraduate education at the US Naval Academy.