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RAAF P-8A Poseidon patrol aircraft deployed to South China Sea under Operation Gateway

A merchant vessel is monitored from a P-8A Poseidon during Operation Gateway 24-1. Photo: LAC Chris Tsakisiris

Defence has deployed two Royal Australian Air Force P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft to conduct patrols in the North Indian Ocean and South China Sea under Operation Gateway.

Defence has deployed two Royal Australian Air Force P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft to conduct patrols in the North Indian Ocean and South China Sea under Operation Gateway.

Operation Gateway, Australia’s longest-running Defence operation, deploys a number of RAAF P-8A aircraft to Royal Malaysian Air Force Base Butterworth each year.

The maritime domain awareness operation sees personnel from RAAF Base Edinburgh 92 Wing operating and maintaining the No. 11 Squadron P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft.

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“Operation Gateway forms part of Australia’s contribution to the preservation of regional security and stability in Southeast Asia,” Chief of Joint Operations Vice Admiral Justin Jones said.

“We continue our cooperative operations between Australia and Malaysia, which provides significant benefit to both our nations.”

The operation is a key aspect of the long-standing Malaysia-Australia Joint Defence Program, which marked 40 years in 2021.

The two countries share a strong, long-standing partnership, based on a shared commitment to a peaceful, secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.

“Each mission under Operation Gateway involves routine maritime domain awareness patrols to monitor merchant and naval shipping along some of the world’s busiest shipping routes,” Commanding Officer No. 11 Squadron Wing Commander Adam Saber said.

“The No. 11 Squadron crews deployed to Operation Gateway are highly trained and professional aviators.

“This end-of-year deployment marks the culmination of a demanding 12 months and I am extremely proud of their commitment to regional operations and Australia’s interests.”

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