Australia’s Defense Department contributed approximately $75.4 million ($73.9 million AUD) to the Navy’s P-8A Poseidon maritime warfare and patrol aircraft program in a sign of the US ally’s continued commitment to the US-led, multibillion-dollar acquisition effort. The Australians on Oct 5 announced the signing of the P-8A Increment 3 project arrangement with the Navy, along with their funding contribution. “This project arrangement represents the first real opportunity for Australia to influence the future capability of the P-8A, as Australia will be involved in the Increment 3 upgrade from the requirements determination phase,” states the release. This increment is expected to include a networked maritime strike weapon, air-sea rescue kit, and enhanced target tracking. Australia’s Herald Sun reported that the Australians had already contributed some $255 million to the P-8 program prior to the new funding infusion. The Royal Australian Air Force plans to operate P-8s in place of its current fleet of AP-3C Orions, which are scheduled for retirement around 2019, according to the Australian defense release. The P-8A is based on Boeing’s 737-800 airliner. (See also Poseidon Awakes.)
Watchdog Says Military Can Make Cyber Ops More Efficient
Sept. 17, 2025
The Government Accountability Office called for paring down the military's sprawling cyber enterprise in a recent report, amid renewed discussion about standing up a separate cyber force.
