Royal Australian Air Forces receives latest P-8A Poseidon aircraft.

The 12th and final P-8A Poseidon arrived in Australia on December 12, 2019. Arriving at RAAF Base Edinburgh the aircraft completes the fleet for No. 11 Squadron. The P-8A Poseidon and the MQ-4C Triton Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), are replacing the AP-3C Orion aircraft.

An Air Force member marshalls the final P-8A Poseidon at RAAF Base Edinburgh (Picture source: Commonwealth of Australia, Department of Defence)

The twelfth and last P-8A Poseidon to join the fleet incorporates the latest maritime surveillance and attack capabilities, providing the Government, enhanced flexibility to support multiple operations and thus its maritime security.

“The aircraft can be refuelled while flying by tanker aircraft such as Australia’s KC-30A, making it possible to patrol Australia’s isolated Southern Ocean territories.

“The P-8A is already providing significant operational support to Australia, including a recent mission to the Middle East Region on Operation MANITOU as part of the International Maritime Security Construct.”

Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Melissa Price MP, said the Government was investing heavily in South Australia to support P-8A operations.

“The Morrison Government is investing $470 million to deliver new and upgraded facilities and significant airfield works at RAAF Base Edinburgh to support the introduction of the P-8A aircraft,” Minister Price said.

“This has provided a boost to Defence Industry and created more than 120 jobs for South Australians.”

The P-8A Poseidon and the MQ-4C Triton Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), are replacing the AP-3C Orion aircraft.