12 June 2025
On patrol in the skies above Malaysia for nearly 45 years, Operation Gateway stands as one of Australia’s longest-running military operations.
The operation has Australia conduct vital maritime patrol flights from Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) Base Butterworth in Penang, under a shared commitment to safeguard security across the Northern Indian Ocean and South China Sea.
Officer Commanding 92 Wing Detachment Alpha and Operation Gateway 25-1/2 Detachment Commander, Squadron Leader Andrew Bartlett, spoke of the lasting relationship with Malaysian counterparts that has fortified Gateway’s success since its inception.
“For almost 45 years, the P-8A Poseidon, and in the past, three variants of the P-3 Orion have patrolled the world’s busiest shipping routes under Operation Gateway,” Squadron Leader Bartlett said.
“The success of the program is a testament to the enduring Malaysia-Australia relationship, and a key enabler of the Malaysia-Australia Joint Defence Program.”
The Australian Defence Force (ADF) has a long-standing relationship with RMAF Base Butterworth, dating back as early as World War 2.
'The success of the program is a testament to the enduring Malaysia-Australia relationship, and a key enabler of the Malaysia-Australia Joint Defence Program.'
92 Wing Detachment Alpha was established at RMAF Butterworth in 1981, to provide ongoing infrastructure to regular visitors from 10, 11 and 292 Squadrons and their maritime patrol platforms.
After the RMAF took control of the base in 1988, Australia continued working in the area, conducting Operation Gateway mission sets from the base.
RMAF now participates aboard the P-8A as Operation Gateway Observers, providing an opportunity for subject matter exchanges in the skies.
This program continued into the most recent Gateway iteration, with feedback shared successfully by attendees such as RMAF Surface Warfare Officer Major Daim.
“It was an honour to be invited to watch how maritime patrols are conducted within the area,” Major Daim said.
“It was a great opportunity. I look forward to taking the learnings back into my current role.”
Over four decades on, Operation Gateway continues to showcase the long-standing partnership between Australia and Malaysia, underscoring a shared commitment to a peaceful, secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific Region.
