A RAAF P-8 Poseidon flies over the Russell Offices 'chook on a stick' during the Chief of Air Force change-of-command parade. Other aircraft, all of which had been introduced into RAAF service during Air Marshal Leo Davies' tenure, also flew over – including EA-18G Growler, F-35 Lightning and Falcon 7X. Photo by Chief Petty Officer Cameron Martin.

P-8A Poseidon deployed to Middle for a whole month

18/10/2019 Posted by Brian Hartigan 2114 Views 0 Comments

A Royal Australian Air Force P-8A Poseidon aircraft has arrived in the Middle East in support of the International Maritime Security Construct (IMSC).

FILE PHOTO (July 2019): A RAAF P-8 Poseidon flies over the Russell Offices ‘chook on a stick’ during a parade. Photo by Chief Petty Officer Cameron Martin.

It is deployed for just one month, until the end of November 2019.

Minister for Defence Linda Reynolds said this was the first time the P-8A aircraft had operated in the Middle East and its deployment would support freedom of navigation in the region.

“The P-8A’s advanced surveillance capabilities will provide a modest but meaningful contribution,” Minister Reynolds said.

“The P-8A will work alongside our coalition partners to ensure the safe passage of merchant vessels through the region, boost security and provide an advanced maritime patrol and surveillance capability.”

This P-8A Poseidon will provide an advanced maritime patrol and surveillance capability, to support the safe transit of naval and merchant vessels.

A small number of Australian Defence Force personnel are also serving in the IMSC’s Middle East headquarters.

An Anzac-class frigate will deploy to the Middle East in January 2020 for approximately six months.

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