The Department of Home Affairs has engaged Metrea Australia Pty Ltd to provide fixed wing aerial surveillance across Australia following an extensive and competitive procurement process.
The new contract will deliver to the Australian Border Force (ABF) a fleet of 11 fully crewed, technologically advanced aircraft, providing short and long‑range aerial surveillance with enhanced national coverage, operating 24/7, year‑round.
This will further strengthen Australia's civil maritime surveillance and border protection, ensuring continuity of capability, and delivering a step‑change in performance, coverage, and surveillance technologies.
The capability will deliver improved range, endurance, advanced sensor technology and enhanced operational reach, providing near real-time information sharing, while contributing to a strengthened national common operating picture.
Services under the new contact are scheduled to commence from 1 January 2028, following on from the current Civil Maritime Surveillance Contract.
Transition arrangements are in place to manage continuity of aerial surveillance operations during this time.
