Australia will deploy a P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft to Japan next week to conduct maritime surveillance in support of North Korea sanctions, the Australian defense minister has announced.
The MPA will support the international effort to enforce United Nations Security Council resolutions on North Korea.
An Australian Poseidon aircraft performed the same task in April this year. In September, the country deployed AP-3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft for the mission, while New Zealand sent its P-3K2 maritime patrol aircraft.
Australian defense minister Christopher Pyne said the deployment supports Australia’s ongoing economic and diplomatic pressure on North Korea.
“This is part of Australia’s commitment to deter and disrupt illicit trade and sanctions evasion activities by North Korea and its associated networks,” minister Pyne said.
“This deployment follows on from Defence’s previous contribution of a P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft in April, and two AP-3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft in September this year.
“Australia continues to work with partners to maintain pressure on North Korea until it takes concrete, verifiable and irreversible steps to denuclearisation.
“A stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific remains Australia’s priority.”