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Boeing Defence Australia has won a $290 million four-year contract to sustain the RAAF’s fleet of P‑8A Poseidons.
The Boeing-built P-8A Poseidon is a maritime patrol aircraft that specialises in anti-submarine warfare and search and rescue capabilities.
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Based at RAAF Base Edinburgh and operated by RAAF’s No.11 and No. 292 squadrons, Australia currently operates 12 of the type with an additional two to be delivered by the end of 2026.
“This investment in the P-8A Poseidon fleet will see them last longer and retain their lethality,” Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles said.
“It will deliver long-term economic and strategic benefits while keeping our P‑8A Poseidon fleet at the cutting edge of operational capability.
“This is another example of the Albanese government investing in key capabilities and sustaining key jobs in Australian defence industry.”
As part of the maintenance of the P‑8A Poseidon fleet, the federal and state Labor governments are working together to develop a $200 million Deep Maintenance and Modification Facility (DMMF), adjacent to RAAF Base Edinburgh.
The DMMF project will accommodate the long-term, deep maintenance and modification of the Australian Defence Force’s fleet of RAAF P-8A Poseidon and E‑7A Wedgetail aircraft.
Earlier this month, the facility’s frame was completed, following the transfer of almost 2,000 tonnes of structural steel.
“The contract signing with Boeing Defence Australia reflects our strong commitment to Australian industry and builds on the nation’s capacity to independently sustain key defence assets,” Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy said.
“This investment strengthens our sovereign defence capability, maintains job security, enhances workforce skills and supports local industry involvement in critical sustainment activities.
“This contract underscores the government’s commitment to building a future made in Australia through investment in local defence industry.”
It comes after Australian Aviation reported how, earlier this month, the RAAF wrapped up a series of maritime surveillance missions in the Indo-Pacific region using its Poseidons.
The aircraft worked alongside the Royal Australian Navy destroyer HMAS Hobart in the South China Sea on maritime domain awareness operations.
“The P-8A Poseidon employs specific capabilities and mission systems that make it invaluable when conducting maritime patrols both unilaterally and when operating as a joint force,” RAAF Deputy Detachment Commander Flight Lieutenant Johnathan Logan said.
“With regional presence deployments, we are often provided the opportunity to participate in multilateral activities with partners operating in the region, further enhancing our interoperability.
“For our deployed crew, participating in these activities is a powerful reminder of our ability to project integrated power in pursuit of a stable and secure region.”
