The Australian Air Force’s maritime patrol capability will be boosted with the country’s plans to to acquire two more P-8A Poseidon surveillance and response aircraft, bringing the total fleet size to 14. The government has also approved sustainment funding for the current approved fleet of three MQ-4C Triton aircraft.
Minister for Defence Linda Reynolds said the announcement is part of the government’s A$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,” Reynolds said. “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. 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.” Reynolds added that several Australian companies are already completing work for Boeing Defence Australia, and industry investment including facilities works is over A$1 billion.
The additional Poseidon aircraft are to be purchased through our existing Cooperative Program with the United States Navy. Reynolds said being part of the Cooperative Program with the United States Navy allows Australia to share in the benefits of their technical expertise and divide project costs. “Defence is committed to this cooperative approach; together we are striving to develop this military technology to the highest standards,” Reynolds said.
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.
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Not sure if its enough for our massive coastline and some very worrying nations ,I suppose Aus intelligence need to keep most intelligence internal otherwise most Aussies would be shitting themselves.
Its time some information was delicately let out as so many are delusional, the course of action being taken by some superpowers are not peaceful and they are deliberately pushing and taunting peaceful nations into fighting and war. We have no answer but to arm up and need to do it much faster and deeper than we are all prepared for,otherwise everything we take for granted ahead be taken.
Let’s not forget the Tritons that will work in unison with the P8.