• Boeing delivered the first P-8A Poseidon to the RAAF in November 2016. Credit: Defence
    Boeing delivered the first P-8A Poseidon to the RAAF in November 2016. Credit: Defence
  • A47-001, the first RAAF Poseidon aircraft, comes in to land at its home Base, RAAF Base Edinburgh for the first time. Credit: Defence
    A47-001, the first RAAF Poseidon aircraft, comes in to land at its home Base, RAAF Base Edinburgh for the first time. Credit: Defence
  • The RAAF's first P-8A Poseidon. Given Norway's presence in the High North of Scandinavia, a strong Norwegian MPA capability is crucial to maintaining effective NATO surveillance. Credit: Defence
    The RAAF's first P-8A Poseidon. Given Norway's presence in the High North of Scandinavia, a strong Norwegian MPA capability is crucial to maintaining effective NATO surveillance. Credit: Defence
  • Dignitaries cheer the unveiling of the  first of 12 Australian P-8A Poseidon aircraft at Boeing Field in Seattle. Credit: Defence
    Dignitaries cheer the unveiling of the first of 12 Australian P-8A Poseidon aircraft at Boeing Field in Seattle. Credit: Defence
  • The P-8A Poseidon maritime surveillance aircraft will replace the RAAF's P3-C Orions.
    The P-8A Poseidon maritime surveillance aircraft will replace the RAAF's P3-C Orions.
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Australia’s new maritime surveillance aircraft, the P-8A Poseidon, has achieved Initial Operating Capability (IOC) five months ahead of the original schedule.
 
Minister for Defence Marise Payne congratulated Air Force and CASG on the milestone.
 
“Together the P-8A Poseidon and the future MQ-4C Triton aircraft will provide Australia with one of the world’s most advanced maritime patrol and surveillance capabilities,” Minister Payne said.

“The P-8A is a very capable and effective successor to the AP-3C Orion, which will soon retire from the role after nearly 40 years of distinguished service.

“The Poseidon will improve Defence’s ability to conduct anti-submarine warfare, maritime patrol and surveillance of Australia’s maritime approaches.”

Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Leo Davies, said declaring IOC was a significant milestone because the P-8A Poseidon is a fundamental element of the ADF's future maritime strategy.
 
“The arrival of the P-8A has allowed Air Force, under Plan Jericho, to develop and evolve new operating concepts, support arrangements and sustainment options," AIRMSHL Davies said.

“These will best exploit the P-8A’s sensors and networking as part of an integrated Navy and Air Force Maritime Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Family of Systems."

A47-001, the first RAAF Poseidon aircraft, comes in to land at its home Base, RAAF Base Edinburgh for the first time. Credit: Defence
A47-001, the first RAAF Poseidon aircraft, comes in to land at its home Base, RAAF Base Edinburgh for the first time. Credit: Defence

 “The acquisition of the P-8A represents a $5 billion investment in Australia’s maritime patrol capability and along with the MQ-4C Triton, will be a very capable and effective successor to the AP-3C Orion.”
 
Six of a planned 12 P-8As have arrived in Australia to date. The aircraft are operated by Number 11 Squadron from RAAF Base Edinburgh in South Australia. 

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