Australia’s new maritime surveillance aircraft, the P-8A Poseidon, has achieved Initial Operating Capability (IOC), five months ahead of the original schedule.
Australia’s new maritime surveillance aircraft, the P-8A Poseidon, has achieved Initial Operating Capability (IOC), five months ahead of the original schedule. The P-8A — which will operate alongside the unmanned MQ-4C Triton — is taking over from the AP-3C Orion, which will soon be withdrawn from service.
The P-8A, which is being acquired under a $5bn programme, will play a key role in the Navy/Air Force integrated Maritime Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Family of Systems.
To date, six of Australia’s 12 P-8As have arrived in Australia. They are operated by Number 11 Squadron from RAAF Base Edinburgh in South Australia.
The first P-8A Poseidon arrived at its new home at RAAF Base Edinburgh in November 2016.