RAAF's No. 12 Squadron revived for maritime surveillance

In October 2025, the Royal Australian Air Force’s (RAAF) historic No. 12 Squadron has been re-established at RAAF Base Edinburgh (SA).

The squadron has returned to service to enhance Australia’s maritime surveillance capability, coinciding with the arrival of the nation’s thirteenth P-8A Poseidon. A final aircraft is scheduled to arrive next year.

Originally formed in 1939 as a general-purpose, bomber, and transport squadron, No. 12 Squadron’s members saw combat in the South West Pacific during World War II. The unit conducted maritime patrols off northern Australia in the early 1940s and was based at Merauke in western New Guinea from November 1943 to July 1944, before operating as a heavy bomber unit from February 1945 until the end of the war.

The squadron was re-formed on 3 September 1973 at RAAF Base Amberley (QLD) to operate twelve CH-47C Chinook heavy transport helicopters. The Chinooks arrived by March 1974, with the first flight on 8 July 1974, and the unit declared operational in December that year. Budget constraints led to the retirement of the Chinook on 30 June 1989, and No. 12 Squadron was disbanded on 25 August 1989.

No.12 Squadron We roam and we charge will now operate the Boeing P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft. Its re-establishment aligns with Australia’s strengthened maritime surveillance capability, working alongside No. 11 Squadron Shepherd or Destroy. Both squadrons are part of No.92 Wing and will use the Poseidon aircraft from a pool.

Credit photo: Hans Jacobs (Scramble Archive)