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.’
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
Lockheed Martin strengthens Spanish SPY-7 radar supply chain
The global defence giant chose a Spanish firm for its work on the Bonifaz-class frigate.
-
US Navy places $312 million contract with Textron Systems for landing craft
Textron’s latest order for Ship to Shore Connector (SSC), Landing Craft, Air Cushion (LCAC) follows on from a contract placed in August 2023 for five LCAC.
-
Japan to boost surface fleet with new destroyers and missile ships
Japan is enhancing its naval capabilities with the construction of the 13DDX advanced destroyer and Aegis System Equipped Vessels (AESV), aiming to strengthen its air and missile defence amid increasing security threats, particularly in East Asia.