In early November, Canberra sent a Lockheed Martin AP-3C Orion to support a large-scale exercise against illegal fishing in the territorial waters of its Pacific neighbours.
Operation Kuru Kuru is a law enforcement operation conducted annually by the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA).
The Royal Australian Air Force Orion flew four missions from 7 to 14 November. It identified, located and documented about 100 fishing vessels within its assigned area of operations.
© Australian Defence Image Library
"It's very rewarding to support Operation Kuru Kuru," said the aircraft's commander, flight lieutenant Richard Court. "We are contributing to securing the food supplies and economic interests of South Pacific Island nations."
Kuru Kuru is part of a wider FFA campaign of airborne and maritime patrols against illegal fishing in the South Pacific, said Australia's Department of Defence.
Source: Flight International
