Australia is investing $966 million to increase northern maritime surveillance. This will be achieved through the purchase of additional long-range drone aircraft and the modernization of Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft.
Minister for Defense Industry Pat Conroy announced Tuesday that the 14 Boeing P-8A Poseidon Maritime Patrol aircraft in the fleet will receive upgrades to their anti-submarine warfare, maritime strike, and intelligence collection capabilities.
Geographically closest to Asia, Australia’s Northern Territory will soon be home to a new squadron of MQ-4C Triton drone aircraft manufactured by Northrop Grumman and developed with the United States Navy.
“The purchase of an additional Triton will enhance operations from Australia’s northern bases, a priority under the Defense Strategic Review,” Conroy stated. The Triton will provide long-range surveillance of Australia’s maritime region.
Australia-based Poseidon aircraft have patrolled the South China Sea and taken off from Japan to carry out United Nations Security Council sanctions against North Korea.