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A RAAF P-8A Poseidon has joined vessels from the Royal Australian Navy, as well as Japan, India and the United States, for Exercise Malabar 25.
The aircraft accompanied Navy Anzac-class frigate HMAS Ballarat and other nations in the Indo-Pacific Quad partnership for the joint exercises, which took place between 10 and 18 November in the training area around Guam and the West Pacific.
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The exercise was first conducted between the US and India in 1992, with Australia and Japan joining in 2007; this is the fifth time all four nations have participated exclusively together.
“Australia and partner nations strengthen Indo-Pacific security through exercises like Malabar – tackling shared challenges, coordinating collective strength and closing gaps in global engagement,” said Australia’s Chief of Joint Operations, Vice Admiral Justin Jones.
“Through complex drills in anti-submarine and surface warfare, maritime interdiction and aviation operations, participating nations build the trust, interoperability and readiness needed to respond to our collective security challenges.”
Captain Dave Huljack, Commodore United States Destroyer Squadron 15, said the exercise is critical in boosting interoperability and strengthening maritime partnerships.
“We cannot overstate the importance of preserving maritime security in the national commons – the work of our combined forces over the decades has directly contributed to our ability to maintain a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific.
“Through our continued cooperation, we are better prepared to preserve our shared values and deter competitors who wish to rewrite international norms.
“We must be ready in our resolve and meet challenges head-on, together.”
The exercise comes as the RAAF’s P-8A Poseidon fleet is set to receive major upgrades over the next few years.
Under the four-year Increment 3 Block 2 program, Australia’s P-8A fleet will receive upgraded antennas, sensors, and software designed to enhance processing power and communications, which will significantly boost the aircraft’s ability to detect, track, and engage advanced submarines.
Australia is the first international P-8A operator to receive the Increment 3 upgrade, with delivery of the RAAF’s 13th Poseidon taking place on 29 September. The 14th and final aircraft is scheduled to arrive in 2026.
