# RNZAF’s P-8A Poseidons busy as South-West Pacific warms up

Date: 11 Nov 2026
Released by: New Zealand Defence Force

## MediaRelease.co Summary

A Royal New Zealand Air Force P-8A Poseidon flew three deployments in October across the South-West Pacific, monitoring fishing vessels and potential 'dark vessels' in the waters of Fiji, Tonga, Tuvalu and the Cook Islands. The flights supported the Forum Fisheries Agency, New Zealand Customs' Operation Kiwa, the Department of Conservation and Pacific governments. Crews also photographed Raoul Island infrastructure and observed the active Monowai submarine volcano on the Kermadec Ridge.

## Original release

From monitoring a submarine volcano to surveilling potential ‘dark vessels’, a Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) P-8A Poseidon has kept a close eye on the South-West Pacific and northern approaches to New Zealand throughout October. Three deployments in the month demonstrated the value of the aircraft to New Zealand and Pacific nations. Operating in support of the Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) Operation Kurukuru, New Zealand Customs Service’s Operation Kiwa, Department of Conservation (DOC) and the governments of Fiji, Tonga, Tuvalu and the Cook Islands, the aircraft and crew were tasked to monitor commercial fishing vessels and pleasure craft to ensure compliance with international regulations. Covering the high seas and Exclusive Economic Zones of Fiji, Tonga, Tuvalu and the Cook Islands, the aircraft crew photographed fishing vessels that were non-compliant, and potential ‘dark vessels’ (those that deliberately obscure their identification, location or ownership while at sea) for reporting to the FFA or relevant authorities. One case of potential marine pollution from a commercial fishing vessel was also photographed and reported. Customs’ Assistant Comptroller Maritime Operations Paul Campbell said support from the New Zealand Defence Force was particularly valuable during the small craft arrival season. “Warmer weather and better sailing conditions bring more yachts and other small craft through the Pacific towards New Zealand, particularly in October. “By monitoring pleasure craft near Minerva Reef and the Kermadec Islands, the P-8A gives us greater visibility across New Zealand’s wider maritime environment and helps identify activity requiring closer attention. “The aircraft also monitored vessels in the Cook Islands’ EEZ in support of Operation Kiwa, which combines the capabilities of Customs, the NZDF and the Government Communications Security Bureau to deter transnational, serious and organised crime. “Combining the P-8A’s long-range surveillance with Customs’ intelligence and targeting, and information from Pacific partners, helps agencies assess risks earlier and focus their efforts where they are needed most. This strengthens maritime security across the region.” The aircraft crew were also tasked to collect imagery of Raoul Island buildings and infrastructure for DOC, and to observe the active Monowai submarine volcano, located on the Kermadec Ridge approximately 100 metres below sea level. Acting Air Component Commander, Group Captain Brett Clayton, said the breadth of tasks the P-8A can achieve makes it a valuable tool for New Zealand and its Pacific neighbours. “The P-8A Poseidon’s ability to cover vast distances and gather critical information makes it an indispensable asset for maritime domain awareness, supporting a diverse range of government agencies and helping Pacific nations deter organised crime and protect their resources.”

## Key details

- Issued by: New Zealand Defence Force
- Published: 11 Nov 2026
- Publisher country: New Zealand

Original source: https://www.nzdf.mil.nz/media-centre/news/rnzafs-p-8a-poseidons-busy-as-south-west-pacific-warms-up/
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