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The Royal Australian Air Force has welcomed Australia’s newest maritime surveillance aircraft, the P-8A Poseidon, at a ceremony in Seattle, USA.
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Defence Minister Linda Reynolds said it marked another milestone in this important project to enhance Australia’s maritime security.
“The P-8A Poseidon aircraft is a cutting-edge aircraft that will conduct tasks including anti-submarine warfare, maritime and overland intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, and support to search and rescue missions,” Minister Reynolds said.
“The arrival of the latest aircraft provides the government with enhanced flexibility to support multiple operations and will play an important role in maintaining border security.”
Defence Industry Minister Melissa Price said the Morrison government’s continued investment in the Poseidon program was creating more Australian jobs and opportunities for Australian small businesses.
“The Morrison government is committed to creating jobs in our defence industry, and this project is directly creating 120 jobs in South Australia,” Minister Price said.
“Already, more than 4,000 Aussies have contributed to the broader infrastructure build at RAAF Base Edinburgh where the aircraft will be located. Australian small businesses will have opportunities to get involved in sustaining these aircraft.”
The aircraft is now undergoing its verification and validation flying in the United States, and will join the rest of the fleet in Australia, based at RAAF Base Edinburgh in South Australia.
Ten of the 12 aircraft are already operating in Edinburgh, with the remaining two aircraft expected to be in Australia by January 2020.
