RAAF deploys Poseidon on North Korea sanctions watch

A Royal Australian Air Force P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft is deploying on Operation Argos for the second time this year to monitor United Nations Security Council sanctions compliance on North Korea.

FILE PHOTO: A Royal Australian Air Force P-8A Poseidon. Photo by Corporal Bill Solomou.

Operating out of Kadena Air Base in Japan, the RAAF Poseidon will conduct airborne surveillance to monitor and deter illegal shipments of sanctioned goods.

Minister for Defence Linda Reynolds said this latest deployment reinforced Australia’s commitment to stability and security in the region.

“Our commitment to Operation Argos demonstrates our resolve for a secure, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific,” Minister Reynolds said.

“Our contribution through dedicated air patrols supports the international campaign to address illicit trade, sanctions evasion and their associated networks.”

This operation is part of a multinational force with contributions from countries including Canada, France, Japan, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States.

The Poseidon and its crew will deploy from RAAF’s 92 Wing and quarantine at Kadena Air Base in line with Japan’s COVID-19 entry requirements.

In a statement released to the media at 9am on a Sunday, Minister Reynolds said operations would commence in late September and are planned to conclude in late October 2020.

This is the seventh deployment of a maritime patrol aircraft by the Royal Australian Air Force since the commencement of Operation Argos in 2018.

The Royal Australian Navy has also deployed frigates on three occasions to support the enforcement of United Nations Security Council sanctions on North Korea.

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