A Royal Australian Air Force P-8A Poseidon takes off on a mission from Australia’s main operating base in the Middle East region. Credit: Commonwealth of Australia.

A P-8A Poseidon aircraft belonging to the Royal Australian Air Force has returned to Australia after completing its mission in the Middle East.

The P-8 is an aircraft that is designed for long-range anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

Australia Minister for Defence Linda Reynolds said that the deployment of the P-8A Poseidon aircraft was part of a targeted and meaningful element of the country’s contribution to the International Maritime Security Construct (IMSC).

Minister Reynolds said: “Over the last month, the P-8A Poseidon aircraft has provided valuable maritime surveillance and reconnaissance to support the coalition partners in the IMSC.

“It is now time for the Poseidon to return home, having played a key role in supporting freedom of navigation and the free flow of shipping, which is crucial to regional security and stability.”

This was the first deployment of the P-8A Poseidon aircraft in the Middle East region.

In a statement, Reynolds said that the P-8A Poseidon and its crew will contribute to maritime ISR duties in the region on return to Australia.

She said that a small team of personnel belonging to the Australian Defence Force will continue to provide liaison, planning and coordination support to the IMSC headquarters.

The Defence Minister said that an Anzac-class frigate from the Royal Australian Navy will be deployed to the Middle East in January for around six months to support Australia’s contribution to the IMSC and the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF).

The CMF is a maritime coalition led by the US against terrorism, piracy and drug smuggling in the Middle East.

The aircraft was deployed in the Middle East in October this year in support of the IMSC.

At the time of deployment, the Defence Minister said: “The P-8A will work alongside our coalition partners to ensure the safe passage of merchant vessels through the region, boost security and provide an advanced maritime patrol and surveillance capability.

“This is the first time the P-8A aircraft has operated in the Middle East and its deployment will support freedom of navigation in the region, which is a fundamental right of all states under international law.”