Arming Australia’s Maritime Aircraft: A Warning to Beijing

Australia must rapidly equip its key maritime aircraft with AIM-9X Sidewinder air-to-air missiles. Doing so would make China think twice before harassing Australian and allied aircraft. Integration should be straightforward and could even provide opportunities to assist partner nations.

Since 2022, Chinese fighters have repeatedly attacked Australian and Canadian aircraft in international airspace. These aggressive tactics—including dropping chaff and flares dangerously close—have targeted P-8A Poseidons, MH-60R Seahawks, and Canada’s CH-148 Cyclone. In some cases, flares have come within 30 meters of aircraft, posing a severe threat by potentially causing structural damage or engine failure.

Beijing employs these methods to force foreign aircraft out of contested areas like the South China and Yellow Seas. Since these tactics stop short of using traditional weapons, China faces no political or military consequences. Australia’s response has been limited to diplomatic statements calling the actions “unsafe and unprofessional,” which does nothing to deter further incidents.

The solution is deterrence. Equipping Poseidons and Seahawks with AIM-9X missiles would change the risk equation. Even limited integration—allowing simple forward-firing capability—would force Chinese pilots to reconsider their aggression. They could no longer conduct close-range attacks without risking being shot down.

Integrating the AIM-9X is feasible. The missile is self-contained, requiring only basic integration with the aircraft. The British achieved similar results during the Falklands War, and the U.S. has equipped AH-1Z helicopters with AIM-9X, proving it can be done. Australia could also offer its expertise to allies, strengthening collective defence.

Arming these aircraft won’t guarantee China backs off, but it will make Beijing think twice before endangering Australian personnel.