Australia commences first Operation Argos deployment for 2025

A Royal Australian Air Force P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft and crew has deployed under Operation Argos, reaffirming Australia’s commitment to enforcing United Nations Security Council (UNSC) sanctions against North Korea.

This deployment is a critical component of Australia’s broader effort to prevent illicit maritime activities, including ship-to-ship transfers of sanctioned goods.

Operating from Kadena Air Base in Japan, the P-8A Poseidon will conduct aerial surveillance missions, contributing to regional security and supporting international sanctions enforcement.

Operation Argos is Australia’s ongoing contribution to a multinational pressure campaign on North Korea to denuclearise.

Since 2018, Australia has deployed maritime patrol aircraft 15 times and Royal Australian Navy vessels 12 times under Operation Argos.

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

“Through Operation Argos, Australia continues to play a vital role in maintaining peace and security in the Indo-Pacific, working alongside our international partners to enforce UNSC sanctions.

“Our deployment reinforces Australia’s strong commitment to uphold international law and support the rules-based global order.

“This Operation is a multinational effort alongside enforcement operations conducted by Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, the United Kingdom and the United States.

“Australia will continue to work closely with allies and partners to support international security initiatives.”

Media note

Media can access imagery of previous Operation Argos deployments at http://images.defence.gov.au/S20242525

Imagery from this Operation will be released at http://images.defence.gov.au/S20250581

Information about Operation Argos is available from https://www.defence.gov.au/operations/argos

Information about the P-8A Poseidon is available from https://www.airforce.gov.au/aircraft/p-8a-poseidon