Wing Commander James Best has officially assumed command of the freshly rebooted 12 Squadron of the Royal Australian Air Force. He’ll be commanding the squadron from RAAF Base Edinburgh in South Australia. This important leadership appointment comes at an important time. The squadron is preparing to augment Australia’s long-range patrol capabilities, including in the more contested environment of the Indo-Pacific.
Having the 12 Squadron revived perfectly matches the vision of the current Australian government when it comes to deterrence and working together closely with the region. As tensions rise in the Indo-Pacific, the squadron’s operations will play a crucial role in ensuring national security and monitoring activities near Australia’s waterways.
Enhanced Capabilities and Strategic Focus
Wing Commander Best underscored the urgent necessity to expand the already-deployed squadron’s fleet. The newest addition Intelligence & Security Command’s latest addition, above, is the nation’s 13th P-8A Poseidon aircraft. A 14th Poseidon is expected in 2026, adding even more muscle to Australia’s surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities.
This addition of further Poseidon aircraft improves our ability to live up to our commitments under the National Defence Strategy. It enhances our capacity to project and counter threats further from Australia’s shores and promotes interoperability with our allies and partners in our region,” said Best. This commitment is an important step reflecting a holistic and feasible approach to strengthening maritime security.
Long-range patrols by 12 Squadron will deliver a “persistent watch” over Australian waters. It’ll be operating alongside the existing air force 11 Squadron. In concert, they will field a powerful fleet that underwrites Australia’s anti-submarine warfare, maritime strike, and reconnaissance missions.
Commitment to Monitoring Activities
When posed the question of whether the Poseidon fleet would be able to do so and monitor emerging threats, Wing Commander Best answered with emphasis. Whoever makes that move first—we’ll be watching with great interest. Each and every Australian knows we should keep an eye on what’s happening in our nation’s rivers, lakes, and streams.
This proactive approach demonstrates the squadron’s willingness and preparedness to respond to changes within the region. It increases the confidence of the Australian public in their safety.
For one, Best said that the deployment of Poseidons has already begun to materialize in recent months. You may have seen Poseidons recently in the Philippines and Malaysia. He underscored that this footprint is permanent, a demonstration of our enduring focus on international collaboration and combined operations with partner forces.
A Legacy of Excellence
The return of 12 Squadrons colors is the latest chapter in its long and distinguished history. Chief of Air Force Air Marshal Stephen Chappell admitted as much, when he claimed this legacy. He said, “Number 12 Squadron has a proud heritage both in the history of our Air Force and the defense of our nation. That important role continues from today.”
Confidence is not hard to find when Wing Commander James Best is leading the squadron. Even as they rise to meet new challenges, they continue to honor their proud tradition of service.
