Royal New Zealand Air Force’s P-8A Poseidon Maritime Patrol Aircraft Embarks on Trial Flights in Fiji

One of the P-8A Poseidon Maritime Patrol Aircraft from the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) is currently stationed in Nadi, Fiji, as part of its operational trials. These trials play a crucial role in integrating the new aircraft into service and maintaining the longstanding relationship between the RNZAF and Fiji. The Poseidon aircraft, designed for multi-mission maritime patrol, are replacing the retired P-3K2 Orions that have been in service since the 1960s. The RNZAF will operate a fleet of four Poseidons, supporting various missions such as peacekeeping, maritime surveillance, search and rescue, resource protection, as well as humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations in New Zealand, the Pacific region, and beyond. Operations are scheduled to commence in mid-2023.

Air Commodore Shaun Sexton, the Air Component Commander, emphasized the significance of operational trials and development when introducing a modern aircraft like the Poseidon. While No. 5 Squadron, previously operating the Orions, will be responsible for flying the Poseidons, the transition involves adapting procedures to the new aircraft’s systems. The trials and development phase ensures that all operating systems, including aircrew, maintenance, mission support, and air enablers, are fully prepared for missions. This inaugural flight to Fiji by one of the new P-8A aircraft highlights the enduring connection between New Zealand and Fiji, which spans many years.

Fiji has a history of hosting long-range maritime patrol aircraft, particularly during and after World War II. No. 5 Squadron, established in Laucala Bay, flew Short Sunderland flying boats from Fiji for over 13 years. The squadron’s motto, in Fijian, is “Keitou kalawaca na wasaliwa,” meaning “We span the Seas.” For more than 57 years, No. 5 Squadron and the P-3K2 Orions maintained a regular presence in Fiji’s skies. The Royal New Zealand Air Force has deployed P-3K2 aircraft to Fiji for multi-day search and rescue operations and maritime patrols in the Pacific. The continuation of this connection is highly anticipated.

The Boeing P-8 Poseidon, derived from the civilian Boeing 737-800, is an American maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft developed and produced by Boeing Defense, Space & Security. It was primarily designed for the United States Navy (USN) and operates in anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-surface warfare (ASUW), and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) roles. Equipped with torpedoes, Harpoon anti-ship missiles, and other weapons, the P-8 can deploy and monitor sonobuoys. In July 2018, the New Zealand government announced the purchase of four P-8As, with operations set to commence in 2023. The RNZAF plans to operate these aircraft for at least 30 years.