31 December 2020: Australian Air Force maritime patrol capability will be boosted with two more P-8A Poseidon surveillance and response aircraft, bringing the total fleet size to 14. The Government has approved sustainment funding for the current approved fleet of three MQ-4C Triton aircraft.
Minister for Defence, Senator the Hon Linda Reynolds CSC said, “This announcement is part of the Morrison Government’s unprecedented USD 270 billion investment in defence capability over the next decade. Together, the Poseidon and the Triton will provide Australia with one of the most advanced maritime patrol and response capabilities in the world. The Poseidon is a proven capability that will conduct tasks including anti-submarine warfare, maritime and overland intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, and support to search and rescue missions.”
The additional Poseidon aircraft are to be purchased through the existing Cooperative Program with the United States Navy.
“These additional aircraft will enhance Air Force’s flexibility to support multiple operations and will play an important role in ensuring Australia’s maritime region is secure for generations to come. The Morrison Government’s continued investment in the Poseidon program is also creating more Australian jobs and opportunities for Australian small businesses. Several Australian companies are already completing work for Boeing Defence Australia, and industry investment including facilities works is over USD 1 billion,” Minister Reynolds added.
Defence is committed to this cooperative approach; together we are striving to develop this military technology to the highest standards.
The Poseidon is a highly versatile, long endurance platform capable of a range of mission types including Maritime Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance and striking targets above and below the ocean’s surface.
The planned integration of the Long Range Anti-ship Missile (LRASM) into Air Force capability will also allow it to strike adversary surface vessels at significantly increased ranges.
