Australian P-8A Poseidon submarine-hunter joins up with UK's carrier strike group

An Australian surveillance and patrol aircraft has conducted a flypast over the Royal Navy's flagship aircraft carrier, HMS Prince of Wales, before joining Carrier Strike Group 25.

The contribution of the P-8A Poseidon to CSG25 by the Royal Australian Air Force demonstrates the close ties and interoperability between the UK and Australia.

P-8As are equipped with sensors and weapons systems designed for anti-submarine warfare, but can also carry out surveillance and search and rescue missions.

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Based on the commercial design of Boeing's 737-800, it's built specifically as a military aircraft.

P-8 Poseidon has been modified to include a weapons bay, under-wing and under-fuselage hard points for weapons, and increased structural strength for low-level operations.

In 2022, the Royal Air Force completed their submarine-hunting aircraft fleet with the arrival of a ninth P-8A Poseidon jet – meaning the RAF had a full maritime patrol fleet for the first time since the Nimrod, which was retired in 2010.

The Poseidon's comprehensive mission system features an APY-10 radar with modes for high-resolution mapping, an acoustic sensor system, including passive and multi-static sonobuoys, electro-optical/IR turret and electronic support measures.

This equipment delivers comprehensive search and tracking capability, while the aircraft’s weapons system includes torpedoes for engaging sub-surface targets. 

CSG25 is a world-class international formation of Royal Navy Warships, submarines and aircraft – currently deployed on Operation Highmast.

Led by the Queen Elizabeth Class warship HMS Prince of Wales, the eight-month mission will span the Mediterranean, Middle East, Red Sea, Indian Ocean, and Indo-Pacific regions.

The next scheduled port visits are to Singapore, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, and Australia - including participation in the Australia-led Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025.

A port visit to Darwin, Australia, will also provide an opportunity to further develop the Aukus partnership between Australia, the UK and the United States.