The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) and Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) have deployed P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft to Andersen Air Force Base in Guam for Exercise Sea Dragon 2026, a U.S. Navy-led multinational anti-submarine warfare (ASW) training activity held throughout March.
The RAAF contributed one P-8A Poseidon and 50 aviators from its recently reformed No. 12 Squadron, while the RNZAF deployed one P-8A from No. 5 Squadron at RNZAF Base Ohakea. Additional participants include two U.S. Navy P-8A Poseidons from Patrol Squadrons VP 4 and VP 45, one Indian Navy P-8I, and one Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force P-1.
Over the two-week exercise starting March 9, crews engage in complex scenarios to detect, track, and respond to simulated and live submarine targets. Training emphasizes speed, accuracy, coordinated mission execution, and interoperability among Indo-Pacific partners.
RAAF Detachment Commander Squadron Leader Bryce Martin stated, “Exercise Sea Dragon 26 is an excellent opportunity to sharpen our skills and strengthen our international partnerships. The expansive overwater training area near Guam allows our aircrews to train in complex scenarios and refine coordination alongside our allies and partners.”
The Boeing 737-based P-8A features advanced sensors including multi-role radar, electro-optical cameras, electronic signal detection, high-capacity acoustic systems, and sonobuoy deployment for ASW operations up to 2,000 kilometers from base. RAAF operates 13 P-8As under No. 92 Wing at RAAF Base Edinburgh, supporting maritime surveillance, anti-surface warfare, and intelligence missions.
This exercise enhances ASW proficiency amid growing submarine threats in the Indo-Pacific region.