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MARITIME BORDER COMMAND

OUR AIRCRAFT

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​The Australian Border Force aerial fleet consists of both aeroplanes and helicopters. Both undertake aerial surveillance of the vast Australian Maritime Domain. We also use the helicopter assets for operational response and logistics throughout the Torres Strait.

Learn more about the Australian Maritime Domain.

Aeroplanes​

The Australian Border Force leases 10 x Dash 8 aircraft fitted with specialised surveillance equipment and provides between 13,500 and 15,000 flight hours per year. The leasing arrangement includes all crewing for the aircraft. This includes:

  • pilots
  • surveillance operators
  • observers
  • engineers and
  • all ground support for maintenance and logistics for the aircraft.

Australian Border Force aeroplanes are based in Broome, Darwin and Cairns. They conduct surveillance operations across the Australian Maritime Domain.

Helicopters

The Australian Border Force leases a twin engine Bell 412 and a single engine Squirrel helicopter. We also lease:

  • crew
  • equipment required to support surveillance
  • response and logistics activity
  • engineering support and
  • maintenance facilities permanently based on Horn Island in the Torres Strait.

The helicopters fly 1,250 and 2,200 flight hours per year.

 

 
 
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