The Australian federal government has announced two significant investments to boost the Australian Defence Force (ADF)’s capabilities in the lead-up to 2021: the expansion of its air force’s Poseidon aircraft fleet and an upgrade of the navy’s Collins-class submarine fleet. On Dec. 30, Defence minister Linda Reynolds released the plan to acquire two more P-8A Poseidon surveillance and response aircraft for the Australian Air Force, bringing the total fleet size to 14. The plan will also boost the domestic defence industry and create more high-tech Australian jobs. The Poseidon is a highly versatile, long-endurance aircraft capable of conducting multiple tasks, including anti-submarine warfare, maritime and overland intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, as well as striking targets above and below the ocean’s surface. It is complemented with three MQ-4C Triton aircraft. As part of the government’s $270 billion (US$208 billion) defence capability investment over the next decade, the additional aircraft will enhance Air Force’s …