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The maritime patrol aircraft is set to take part in an international maritime operation.
The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) has deployed a P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft to the Mediterranean for Operation Sea Guardian 22 — an ongoing non-Article 5 NATO maritime security operation.
Operation Sea Guardian 22 aims to maintain maritime situational awareness, deter terrorism, and enhance capacity building in the Mediterranean region.
The RAAF P-8A is set to be based in Italy, operating in the western and central Mediterranean until mid-October 2022.
Chief of Joint Operations Lieutenant General Greg Bilton said the deployment forms part of Australia’s commitment under a memorandum of understanding with NATO.
“Australia is a NATO Enhanced Opportunities Partner and an important Asia-Pacific member for the alliance,” Lieutenant General Bilton said.
“Our partner status recognises Australia’s significant contributions to NATO operations and the value that the Australian Defence Force (ADF) has demonstrated over several decades.
“Our participation in Operation Sea Guardian is an opportunity to extend Australia’s interoperability with the alliance to the maritime air surveillance domain.”
The contribution to Operation Sea Guardian, he added, represents a “step-up” in the partnership in response to global security challenges.
“Wherever possible, the ADF supports European security initiatives to uphold the rules-based international order,” LTGEN Bilton said.
“I look forward to seeing the outcomes of the deployment, which will guide our future maritime surveillance cooperation with NATO.”
[Related: New F-35A aircraft join RAAF fleet]
