Poseidon fleet now complete

Air Force’s 14th and final P-8A Poseidon, to be operated by 11SQN, 12SQN and 292SQN, has arrived at RAAF Base Edinburgh.

This represented a milestone in strengthening Australia’s ability to conduct anti-submarine warfare, maritime strike, and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions.

CAF AIRMSHL Stephen Chappell said the arrival of the final P-8A Poseidon demonstrates Air Force’s commitment to delivering on the National Defence Strategy. It strengthens maritime surveillance and response capabilities by delivering persistent intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance across Australia’s primary area of military interest.

“The P-8A Poseidon fleet is a critical capability that underpins our ability to maintain awareness of our maritime domain, and enhances Australia’s capacity to detect, deter and respond to threats across its maritime approaches,” AIRMSHL Chappell said.

“By integrating advanced sensors, communications and strike capabilities, the P-8A Poseidon plays a vital role in supporting Australia’s deterrence-by-denial strategy.”

The P-8A Poseidon program reinforces Australia’s sovereign defence capability and supports jobs. Australian defence industry, Boeing Defence Australia and other local partners play a crucial role in its sustainment and future upgrades, including Increment Three Block Two modification.

This includes long-term maintenance and modification to enhance existing capabilities across the P-8A Poseidon fleet at the new deep maintenance and modification facility at RAAF Base Edinburgh.

Completion of the 14-aircraft fleet enables higher availability, increased resilience and the ability to deliver sustained operations in support of Australia’s security and regional stability.