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The federal government has raised the long-term operational readiness of the Royal Australian Air Force P‑8A Poseidon fleet through a $291 million investment for through-life support with Boeing Defence Australia.
The investment will provide ongoing maintenance, sustainment and capability upgrades to the P-8A fleet and will maximise their availability and effectiveness.
Based at RAAF Base Edinburgh and operated by RAAF’s No.11 and No. 292 squadrons, the P‑8A Poseidon is the cornerstone of Australia’s anti-submarine, anti-surface and search and rescue capabilities. The aircraft provides crucial maritime and overland intelligence awareness for surveillance and reconnaissance operations.
The contract will sustain approximately 270 existing local Australian defence jobs with close to 95 per cent of the contract value to be delivered in Australia.
“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, both the federal and state Labor governments are working together on the development of 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.
“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.”
These efforts are envisioned to strengthen Australia’s defence posture and secure long-term opportunities for local industry and workforce development.
The Australian Defence Force currently operates 12 P‑8A Poseidon aircraft, with an additional two aircraft to be delivered by the end of 2026.
“This four-year contract extension is a testament to our trusted partnership with the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), the Surveillance and Response Systems Program Office and the Surveillance and Response Group, which is delivering a world-leading, sovereign capability for Australia’s P-8A Poseidon fleet,” said Naomi Smith, director of sustainment operations for Boeing Defence Australia.
“It will further strengthen our ability to deliver best-for-capability solutions to the RAAF into the next decade and enhance the solutions available to regional P-8A and 737 commercial derivative aircraft operators.”
