Maritime domain awareness missions are bringing P-8A Poseidon crews from the recently re-established 12 Squadron to the Philippines.

The squadron’s March deployment highlighted Australia’s longstanding commitment to operating alongside regional partners and contributing to the collective security of the Indo‑Pacific.

Royal Australian Air Force P‑8A Poseidons from 11 and 12 Squadrons routinely deploy to the Philippines to maintain visibility over some of the world’s most strategically significant waterways and ensure continued free and safe use of these routes. 

Detachment Commander Squadron Leader Damien Greaves said the P-8A missions involved going out to the South China Sea and the Philippine Sea.

“Both bodies of water are of great interest to us, as well as to the Philippines, and we conduct these missions to help provide awareness in that area,” Squadron Leader Greaves said.

'During peacetime, that awareness ensures we’re ready to respond and assist should the regional security environment ever change.'

The P‑8A Poseidon is a long‑range maritime patrol aircraft designed to operate across oceans. 

“We’ll take off, fly out to the area of interest, and use our sensors to search for, track and locate any contacts we have,” Squadron Leader Greaves said.

“We then collate that information and generate a picture of the area we’re operating in.”

Using a sophisticated suite of on-board systems, including radars, an electro‑optical turret capable of high‑resolution imagery, and an advanced acoustic system, the aircraft provides a comprehensive picture of activity both on and beneath the sea. 

Operating from Clark Air Base on the Philippine island of Luzon offered the mission significant advantages. 

The base’s long runway enables the P‑8A to depart with near‑maximum fuel loads, supporting missions lasting eight to 10 hours, or more. 

Squadron Leader Greaves said these deployments demonstrated Australia’s commitment to maintaining regional security in the Indo‑Pacific.

“During peacetime, that awareness ensures we’re ready to respond and assist should the regional security environment ever change,” he said.