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A Royal Australian Air Force P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft has been deployed to conduct aerial surveillance missions under Operation Argos.
The aircraft and crew will operate out of Kadena Air Base in Japan from 1 April, as it contributes to regional security and supports international United Nations Security Council (UNSC) sanctions enforcement against North Korea.
The deployment is a critical component of Australia’s broader effort to prevent illicit maritime activities, including ship-to-ship transfers of sanctioned goods. Chief of Joint Operations, Vice Admiral Justin Jones said Operation Argos is Australia’s ongoing contribution to a multinational pressure campaign on North Korea to denuclearise.
“Through Operation Argos, Australia continues to play a vital role in maintaining peace and security in the Indo-Pacific, working alongside our international partners to enforce UNSC sanctions.
“Our deployment reinforces Australia’s strong commitment to uphold international law and support the rules-based global order.
“This operation is a multinational effort alongside enforcement operations conducted by Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, the United Kingdom and the United States.
“Australia will continue to work closely with allies and partners to support international security initiatives.”
Since 2018, Australia has deployed maritime patrol aircraft 15 times and Royal Australian Navy vessels 12 times under Operation Argos.
