RAAF’s 12th and final Poseidon delivered

Australia’s newest maritime surveillance aircraft, a P-8A Poseidon, arrived at its new home at RAAF Base Edinburgh, South Australia, about 1pm yesterday [eyewitness info from CONTACT Facebook fan Nathan Rundle, not Defence].

FILE PHOTO (September 2019): A P-8A Poseidon off the South Australian coast. Photo by Corporal Bill Solomou.

Minister for Defence Linda Reynolds said the cutting-edge anti-submarine and maritime surveillance aircraft will enhance Australia’s maritime security.

“This is the 12th Poseidon to join the fleet, since the first arrived in Canberra on 16 November 2016,” Minister Reynolds said.

“P-8A Poseidon incorporates the latest maritime surveillance and attack capabilities, providing the ADF with enhanced flexibility to support multiple operations.

“The aircraft can be refuelled in the air by tanker aircraft such as Australia’s KC-30A, making it possible to patrol Australia’s isolated Southern Ocean territories [where all the worst submarines hang out?].

“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 Melissa Price said something about how good the government was at spending tax-payer’s money to support jobs in marginal seats.

The P-8A Poseidon and the MQ-4C Triton unmanned aircraft are replacing the AP-3C Orion fleet.

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