The Australian Government's Border Protection Command has entrusted Cobham with maritime air surveillance of Australia's borders since 1994. The company continues to provide this service under a performance based contract that lasts until 2020. Cobham provides a full turnkey operation with 10 highly modified Bombardier Dash 8 maritime patrol aircraft which each year fly 2,500 missions and 15,000 hours.

Aircraft modification design and systems integration for the current Dash 8 maritime surveillance fleet was successfully completed within Cobham's Australian facilities.

The Cobham service covers every aspect of special mission, from defining and scoping the concept of operations through aircraft selection and modification to sensor and equipment selection and integration. The latter includes technologies such as network enabled data systems, secure communications and satellite video links. A comprehensive training programme is also available for pilots and sensor operators, together with operations and maintenance personnel. Flexibility is key, with programmes tailored to provide the capabilities specifically required by customers, ensuring maximum effectiveness and cost efficiency.

The company is independent of aircraft manufacturers and mission equipment suppliers, allowing selection of the most appropriate airframes and equipment from around the world for each client's requirements and budget.

In addition to the provision of maritime surveillance services, Cobham also operates and maintains the Tenix LADS Laser Airborne Depth Sounding aircraft on its worldwide deployments.