RAAF P-8A deploys to Middle East
A Royal Australian Air Force P-8A Poseidon aircraft has deployed to the Middle East in support of maritime security operations, the Australian Department of Defence announced on 18 October.
The aircraft will operate alongside coalition partners as part of the International Maritime Security Construct (IMSC), to ensure the safe passage of naval and merchant vessels through the region, boost security and provide an advanced maritime patrol and surveillance capability.
The maritime surveillance aircraft will be deployed for one month until the end of November 2019.
A small number of Australian Defence Force personnel are also serving in the IMSC’S Middle East headquarters, and an Anzac class frigate is also due to deploy to the Middle East in January 2020 for approximately six months.
Minister for Defence, Linda Reynolds, said: ‘This is the first time the P-8A aircraft has operated in the Middle East and its deployment will support freedom of navigation in the region, which is a fundamental right of all states under international law.’
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