As part of Operation Argos, RAAF personnel have assisted in monitoring and discouraging unauthorized ship-to-ship cargo transfers into North Korea.
The detachment was stationed at Kadena Air Force Base on the southern Japanese island of Okinawa from February to March, when it supported Australia’s efforts to enforce UNSC sanctions against North Korea.
North Korea cannot get materials to advance its nuclear weapons program because of the restrictions.
Operation Argos, according to Detachment Commander Squadron Leader Jacqueline Killian, shows Australia’s ongoing dedication to regional security.
In order to execute the UNSC sanctions, Australia has frequently deployed assets alongside partner countries like Japan, Korea, and United States since 2018, according to Squadron Leader Killian.
It’s critical that we keep working toward achieving that goal with our partner nations.
Flying Lieutenant Bradley Jolly, the tactical coordinator, was primarily in charge of making sure the Poseidon was used effectively on missions to spot and gather proof of illegal transfers of goods including minerals and petroleum.
“The Poseidon is an extremely sophisticated and adaptable system. During the mission, Flying Lieutenant Jolly stated, “We have a variety of sensors available to identify vessels of interest and determine their activity.
“My responsibility is to make sure the P-8A is used efficiently so the sensor operators can collect as much data as they can, which we then package and send off the aircraft.
The data that we gather collectively enables us to identify the vessels, the locations, and the times when they have been discharging cargo in violation of UNSC sanctions. Australia then informs the UN Panel of Experts with this information to assist in preventing such sanctions violations.
An Australian maritime patrol aircraft was deployed in support of the mission for the eleventh time during this, the first Operation Argos of 2023. Moreover, the Royal Australian Navy has made eight deployments for Operation Argos.
