Defence aircraft continue Australia's longest running defence operation

Defence has deployed two Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft to conduct patrols in the North Indian Ocean and South China Sea under Operation Gateway.

Operation Gateway, which is Australia’s longest running Defence operation, deploys a number of RAAF P-8A aircraft to Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) Base Butterworth each year.

The maritime domain awareness operation sees personnel from RAAF Base Edinburgh 92 Wing operating and maintaining the No. 11 Squadron P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft.

The operation is a key aspect of the longstanding Malaysia-Australia Joint Defence Program, which marked 40 years in 2021.

The two countries share a strong, long-standing partnership, based on a shared commitment to a peaceful, secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific Region.

 Quotes attributable to Chief of Joint Operations, Vice Admiral Justin Jones, AO, CSC, RAN:

“Operation Gateway forms part of Australia’s contribution to the preservation of regional security and stability in Southeast Asia.

“We continue our cooperative operations between Australia and Malaysia, which provides significant benefit to both our nations.”

Quotes attributable to Commanding Officer No. 11 Squadron, Wing Commander Adam Saber:

“Each mission under Operation Gateway involves routine maritime domain awareness patrols to monitor merchant and naval shipping along some of the world’s busiest shipping routes.

 “The No. 11 Squadron crews deployed to Operation Gateway are highly trained and professional aviators.

“This end-of-year deployment marks the culmination of a demanding 12 months and I am extremely proud of their commitment to regional operations and Australia’s interests.”

Media note:

Media can access imagery of ADF’s support to Operation Gateway at http://images.defence.gov.au/S20243622

Information about Operation Gateway is available at: https://www.defence.gov.au/defence-activities/operations/indo-pacific-operations/gateway