An Indian Naval aircraft has flown into Darwin for maritime surveillance training exercises with the Royal Australian Air Force.

April 13, 2022

An Indian Naval aircraft has flown to the Northern Territory for training exercises with the Royal Australian Air Force.

The Boeing P-8I Poseidon maritime patrol jet landed in Darwin on Monday ahead of coordinated maritime surveillance exercises with a similar RAAF aircraft.

It’s the first time an Indian P-8I aircraft has deployed to Australia outside of a routine military exercise.

Crews from the aircraft will also practise anti-submarine warfare to bolster interoperability between the two countries, acting Chief of Air Force Stephen Meredith said.

“Coordinated activities like these are key to enhancing Australia’s maritime capabilities and building maritime domain awareness,” the Air Vice-Marshal said.

“This activity reflects the deepening trust between India and Australia’s defence forces and our enduring commitment to work together on common security interests.”

Indian and Australian defence and security activities have quadrupled since 2014.

Boeing’s P-8A Poseidon is one the aircraft manufacturer’s most advanced aircraft, the company says.

It’s designed for long-range anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions.

The P-8s Indian variant, which has been in service since 2013, is referred to as P-8I. India has a fleet of about a dozen Poseidons.

The aircraft plays a crucial role in the Indian Navy, carrying out critical maritime operations, including search-and-rescue and anti-piracy missions.

It provides India with a significant edge in the strategically important Indian Ocean region, according to Boeing’s website.