A Royal Australian Air Force P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft is deploying on Operation ARGOS for the second time this year to enforce United Nations Security Council sanctions on North Korea.
Operating out of Kadena Air Base in Japan, the Poseidon aircraft will conduct airborne surveillance to monitor and deter illegal shipments of sanctioned goods.
Minister for Defence, Senator the Hon Linda Reynolds CSC said this latest deployment reinforces Australia’s commitment to stability and security in the region.
“Our commitment to Operation ARGOS demonstrates our resolve for a secure, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific,” Minister Reynolds said.
“Our contribution through dedicated air patrols supports the international campaign to address illicit trade, sanctions evasion and their associated networks.”
This operation is part of a multinational force with contributions from countries including Canada, France, Japan, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States.
The Poseidon aircraft and its crew will deploy from RAAF’s 92 Wing and quarantine at Kadena Air Base in line with Japan’s COVID-19 entry requirements. Operations will commence in late September and are planned to conclude in late October 2020.
This is the seventh deployment of a maritime patrol aircraft by the ADF since the commencement of Operation ARGOS in 2018. The ADF has also deployed naval frigates on three occasions to support the enforcement of United Nations Security Council sanctions on North Korea.
