The Australian Government will nearly double its commitment to the Boeing P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft (MPA) as part of plans drawn up in its 2016 Defence White Paper. Having already ordered eight of the MPA, the government has announced it intends to add a further seven, which it says will be received in two tranches: an initial four being converted into firm orders from options already held as part of the original contract, while a further three will also be ordered. All 15 aircraft will be delivered by the "late 2020s'.' These will operate alongside seven MQ- 4C Triton unmanned aircraft, which will be acquired in the early 2020s. In addition to the 12 EA-18G Growler electronic warfare aircraft that are due to enter service from 2018, Australia has committed to five "electronic warfare support aircraft" based on the Gulfstream G550. L-3 Communications Mission Integration was awarded a contract on December 28 to provide two G550s to the Australian Government for this role.
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