The Morrison government has agreed to grow the size of its Air Force maritime patrol fleet as tensions over the South China Sea flare up.
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Australia will buy two more P-8A Poseidon aircraft to bolster the existing fleet of 12 that currently support at least four operations providing surveillance in Australia's maritime zone, South East Asia, as well as the broader Indo-Pacific region.
The squadron also supports enforcement of United Nations Security Council sanctions on North Korea.
Defence Minister Linda Reynolds will announce the purchase on Wednesday as part of a cooperative program with the US Navy.
"The Poseidon is a proven capability that will conduct tasks including anti-submarine warfare, maritime and overland intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, and support to search and rescue missions," Senator Reynolds said.
"These additional aircraft will enhance Air Force's flexibility to support multiple operations and will play an important role in ensuring Australia's maritime region is secure for generations to come."
The price of each Boeing-made plane is approximately A$110 million according to US Navy ledgers, but the specific cost to Australia will depend on the cooperation agreement with the US.
As the Australian government's interest in supporting Pacific nations under pressure from China has grown, so too have expectations that it will provide greater protection on the seas, above and below.
Indian and Vietnamese naval ships conducting a "passage exercise" in the South China Sea disputed territory sparked a rebuke from Beijing this week for "meddling".
The Indian Defence Ministry said the mission was to deliver food and relief supplies to the flood-ravaged area.
Dr Liu Zongyi, Secretary General of the Center of China-South Asia Cooperation, wrote an opinion piece in Chinese state media this week describing how the actions of the Quad - Australia, India, Japan, and the US - aim to contain China.
"A quadrilateral military alliance on the sea, with a clear target - China - has basically taken shape," he wrote.
Liberal Senator Jim Molan said that war with China was more likely than is currently recognised, urging his government colleagues to prepare for the worse case scenario.
"They are primed for war and the other problem of course is that America as well is primed for war," he said on Tuesday.
"This is a situation which is changing rapidly, and we have got to prepare for the worst case. It is not inevitable, but we have got to prepare."
Defence Minister Linda Reynolds said Australia was observing very closely what was happening in the South China Sea and Taiwan.
"I am very aware, as is the Australian government of the heightening tensions in the region," Senator Reynolds said on Tuesday. "We are continuing to work very closely ... we would always implore people to exercise caution and restraint and work together to ensure that all nations abide by international law."
The Morrison government has made multiple announcements of military capabilities since trade and diplomatic tensions with China flared up early in December. This week it announced new upgrades to Collins class submarines and declared the initial squadron of F-35A fighter jets ready for operations.
Additionally, the planned integration of the Long Range Anti-ship Missile will also allow the striking of surface vessels at significantly increased ranges.
The government has also approved sustainment funding for the current approved fleet of three remotely-piloted MQ-4C Triton aircraft.
"Together, the Poseidon and the Triton will provide Australia with one of the most advanced maritime patrol and response capabilities in the world," Senator Reynolds said.
Senator Reynolds also thanked the 400 Navy personnel on HMAS Adelaide and the 200 additional Air Force and Army personnel who were deployed to Fiji last week to provide relief following Tropical Cyclone Yasa.
"You missed Christmas at short notice with your families here in Australia, can I just say thank you very much."
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