P-8A Poseidon finds home at RAAF Base Edinburgh

25 Nov 2016 Media release

The Royal Australian Air Force’s first P-8A Poseidon has arrived to its new home at RAAF Base Edinburgh.

Number 92 Wing will operate Australia’s newest maritime surveillance aircraft, which will support a full range of tasks, including anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare; maritime and overland intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance; electronic support; and a search and rescue capability.

Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Christopher Pyne MP, said the cutting edge aircraft will dominate the skies around the nation’s coastline, greatly enhancing Australia’s ability to keep our borders secure and guard our maritime approaches.

“This is an historic step for the Royal Australian Air Force with the arrival of Australia’s first P-8A Poseidon at RAAF Base Edinburgh," he said.

“The P-8A Poseidon is a modern, highly reliable aircraft incorporating the latest maritime surveillance and strike capabilities.

“The P-8A Poseidon will be networked with other Air Force and Australian Defence Force maritime capabilities as outlined in the 2016 Defence White Paper.

"The Poseidon will be maintained at RAAF Base Edinburgh. The $41.3 million contract will create 32 highly skilled, technical jobs over the next four years." Minister Pyne said.

During the Air Force’s transition to the P-8A Poseidon, the AP-3C Orion will continue to operate from RAAF Base Edinburgh, providing maritime surveillance operations across the globe.

“The people of South Australia will get accustomed to seeing the P-8A Poseidon over the skies of Adelaide, and along the coastline, as the number of aircraft gradually increases to join the expanding fleet,” Minister Pyne said.

“By 2022, twelve aircraft will be based at RAAF Base Edinburgh, with an additional three to be acquired as part of the Government's 2016 Defence White Paper commitment.”