Through a brief statement recently published on its social media, the Royal Australian Air Force confirmed that it now has a fleet of 13 P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft acquired from the United States, marking a new step in the significant modernization process the institution is currently undergoing. In particular, the force indicated that the newest aircraft was received on September 29, at RAAF Edinburgh Air Base, located about 28 kilometers from the city of Adelaide, where other aircraft of the same type are already stationed.
Expanding on the details, the Royal Australian Air Force stated that the thirteenth P-8 Poseidon will be incorporated into No. 12 Squadron to contribute to its ongoing modernization process, which works jointly with No. 11 Squadron to ensure constant maritime surveillance of the sea areas under Canberra’s control. Introduced since 2016, aircraft of this class have taken part in a wide range of exercises and missions, where they have demonstrated their capabilities in anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare, search and rescue, reconnaissance, and maritime surveillance.
Briefly reviewing its technical features, the P-8A Poseidon has a length of 39.5 meters, a wingspan of 37.6 meters, a height of 12.8 meters, and a maximum weight of 85,820 kilograms. Each unit is powered by two CFM56-7 BE(27) engines, each providing 27,000 lb of thrust, allowing it to reach maximum speeds of 907 km/h and a range of around 7,500 kilometers. Additionally, it can carry up to 129 sonobuoys and UNIPAC III deployable life rafts, as well as lightweight anti-submarine torpedoes and AGM-84 Harpoon anti-ship missiles.
Finally, it is worth noting that, as the institution celebrated the arrival of this new P-8A Poseidon aircraft, the U.S. company Boeing announced that it has already begun modernization work on the first of the aircraft currently in the Australian fleet. Specifically, the planes will incorporate new antennas, sensors, and software systems that will provide a qualitative leap in communications and data processing, facilitating the detection and neutralization of potential targets.
In the words of Naomi Smith, Director of Sustainment Operations at Boeing’s Australian branch: “These upgrades, together with the delivery of the thirteenth P-8A, represent two important advancements for the defense of Australia’s vast coastline (…) The Increment 3 Block 2 will provide next-generation target detection and designation capabilities for aircrews, while the newest aircraft strengthens fleet readiness and operational reach, all while maintaining interoperability with the U.S. Navy’s P-8A fleet.”
*Image credits: Royal Australian Air Force
You may also like: As part of AUKUS, Australia is advancing maintenance and support operations for the U.S. Navy’s nuclear attack submarines
