Australia deploying assets to Japan in support of North Korea sanctions

Australia is sending a P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft to Japan from where it will carry out maritime surveillance missions to help enforce UN sanctions imposed against North Korea.

Australian Defence Force personnel will work with international partners to monitor and deter ship‑to-ship transfers of sanctioned goods.

The country’s defense ministry further said that a Royal Australian Navy frigate was expected to participate in the operation later this year, following HMAS Melbourne’s contribution in October 2018 and April 2019.

Australia has contributed to international efforts to deter and disrupt illicit trade and sanction-evasion activities by North Korea and its associated networks since 2018.

The deployment of the P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft is the fifth to occur since April 2018.