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The Royal New Zealand Air Force has trialled a new P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft operating out of Nadi, Fiji.
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The RNZAF will field a fleet of four Poseidons supporting peace and security operations, maritime surveillance, search and rescue, resource protection, and humanitarian assistance and disaster responses in New Zealand, the Pacific and around the world.
They are scheduled to start flying on operations with No. 5 Squadron this year.
Air Component Commander, Air Commodore Shaun Sexton, said operational trials and development were an important part of the introduction into service of a modern aircraft like the Poseidon.
“With the inaugural flight to Fiji by one of our new P-8A aircraft, and with Fiji being the first Pacific nation the P-8A will operate from during the trials, we’re also continuing a connection with Fiji which goes back many years,” Air Commodore Sexton said.
“Long-range maritime patrol aircraft operated from Fiji during and after World War II. No. 5 Squadron was formed in Laucala Bay and for more than 13 years flew Short Sunderland flying boats from there.
“We have based our P-3K2 aircraft in Fiji during multi-day search and rescue operations or maritime patrols in the Pacific. We’re really looking forward to seeing this connection continue.”
The trials and development phase ensured all operating systems, including aircrew, maintenance, mission support and air enablers were ready for missions, he said.
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