Australia designates eighth P-8A maritime patrol aircraft

The Royal Australian Air Force has received its eighth Poseidon P-8A maritime patrol aircraft, Australia’s defense minister announced on April 9.  

The aircraft number eight had been identified as RAAF’s long-term fatigue management aircraft and had been fitted with a raft of diagnostic equipment, according to minister Christopher Pyne.

“The Poseidon is a cutting edge aircraft that will conduct a range of tasks including anti-submarine warfare; maritime and overland intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance and support to search and rescue missions,” Pyne said.

The eighth unit is specially-equipped to allow RAAF to collect useful data to analyse the life of the aircraft and identify what can be done to sustain it further.

Dfenese industry minister Linda Reynolds said the Poseidon aircraft will not only play an important role in maintaining border security but also in boosting opportunities for defence industry and creating jobs.

“These aircraft will be based and sustained at RAAF Base Edinburgh in South Australia, creating over 120 jobs by next year.” Minister Reynolds said.

The newest Poseidon is now undergoing its verification and validation flying in the United States, and will join the rest of the fleet in Australia, based at RAAF Base Edinburgh, in mid-June 2019.