2016 DEFENCE WHITE PAPER

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CHAPTER FOUR: THE FUTURE AUSTRALIAN DEFENCE FORCE
Maritime Aviation
4.37 Eight P-8A Poseidon maritime surveillance and response aircraft will
be introduced in the early 2020s, with seven additional aircraft to be
acquired in two tranches to bring the total to 15 aircraft by the late
2020s. These aircraft have a range of over 7,500 kilometres, and can
be refuelled in the air by Australia’s KC-30A air-to-air refuelling aircraft,
extending their range even further. In addition to being able to undertake
sophisticated surveillance operations at great distances, the P-8A can
undertake offensive operations against submarines and ships, as well as
supporting search and rescue operations.
SECTION TWO CAPABILITY
4.38 To complement the surveillance capabilities of the Poseidon, the
Government will acquire seven high altitude MQ-4C Triton unmanned
aircraft from the early 2020s as part of the Intelligence, Surveillance
and Reconnaissance capability stream. The Triton is an unarmed,
long-range, remotely piloted aircraft that will operate in our maritime
environment, providing a persistent maritime patrol capability and
undertaking other intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance tasks.
Short-range maritime tactical unmanned aircraft will be acquired to
improve the situational awareness of our ships on operations.
4.39 Currently entering into service, 24 MH-60R Seahawk naval combat
helicopters will enhance the anti-ship and anti-submarine warfare
operations undertaken by our destroyers and frigates. Navy will also
employ MRH-90 utility helicopters, and will work closely with Army for
amphibious operations.
Strike and Air Combat
4.40 A potent strike and air combat capability is essential to our ability to
deter attempts to coerce or attack Australia and our national interests,
including the ability to seize the initiative, and defeat potential threats as
far from Australia as possible.