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A Royal Australian Air Force P-8A Poseidon aircraft has arrived in the Middle East to assist the International Maritime Security Construct (IMSC).
Minister for Defence Linda Reynolds said the P-8A’s advanced surveillance capabilities will provide a modest but meaningful contribution.
“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,” Minister Reynolds said.
“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.”
Deploying for one month until the end of November, the aircraft will provide an advanced maritime patrol and surveillance capability to support the safe transit of naval and merchant vessels.
A small number of Australian Defence Force personnel are also serving in the IMSC’S Middle East headquarters.
An Anzac Class frigate will deploy to the Middle East in January 2020 for approximately six months.
