Defence continues support to Operation Argos

Defence has deployed a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) P-8A Poseidon Maritime Patrol Aircraft on Operation ARGOS as part of Australia’s commitment to enforcing United Nations Security Council (UNSC) sanctions on North Korea.

Australia supports UNSC sanctions through the deployment of maritime patrol aircraft and Royal Australian Navy (RAN) vessels.

The P-8A Poseidon will operate from Kadena Airbase in Japan, conducting airborne surveillance to monitor and deter illegal ship-to-ship transfers of sanctioned goods in the region.

Since 2018, Australia has deployed RAAF maritime patrol aircraft on eleven occasions and RAN vessels eight times in support of the operation.

Quotes attributable to Chief of Joint Operations, Lieutenant General Greg Bilton:

“Operation ARGOS reinforces Australia’s commitment to nuclear non-proliferation and directly contributes to maintaining the rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific region alongside our partner nations.”

“Australia remains committed to enforcing UN Security Council sanctions and our own sanctions against North Korea.”

“This operation is Australia’s contribution to a multinational effort, alongside Canada, France, Germany, Japan, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, the United Kingdom, and the United States, who all conduct operations in support of UN Security Council resolutions.”

Media note

Media can access imagery of ADF’s support to OP ARGOS at http://images.defence.gov.au/S20212473 or visit the link Defence Images: Search: Argos

Information about Operation ARGOS is available at https://www.defence.gov.au/operations/argos