Australian Triton build begins
The RAAF will use a fleet of six HALE UAVs for enhanced maritime ISR
Construction has begun (pictured) of the first MQ-4C Triton HALE UAV for Australia, manufacturer Northrop Grumman announced on 27 October.
Triton will be employed for maritime ISR by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). Under Project Air 7000 Phase 1B plans, the RAAF will receive six high-altitude Tritons built in the US by Northrop Grumman; an order for the third aircraft was placed in June.
‘As a strategic partner in the cooperative development programme, Australia is a critical part of Triton’s development and production,’ said Doug Shaffer, vice-president for Triton programmes at Northrop Grumman.
Triton is designed to perform ISR missions for up to 24h at altitudes higher than 52,500ft, according to Shephard Defence Insight. Using an array of sensors, it can provide a 360° view of a wide oceanographic and littoral area, helping to identify threats and gathering data that can be relayed to naval commanders.
The first Australian Triton is expected to be introduced into service in mid-2023, with all six aircraft planned to be delivered and in operation by late 2025. They will be based at RAAF Edinburgh in South Australia.
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Uncrewed Vehicles
-
![Maris-Tech confirms customers signing up for Jupiter Drones codec and AI-powered system]()
Maris-Tech confirms customers signing up for Jupiter Drones codec and AI-powered system
Launched at AUSA in October, the company’s multi-stream video codec is attempting to bring a new lease of life to drone technology through its AI accelerator.
-
![AUSA 2024: Quantum-Systems targets big 2025 with UAS developments]()
AUSA 2024: Quantum-Systems targets big 2025 with UAS developments
Quantum-Systems has been upgrading its UAS family, with new versions of the Vector, Reliant and Twister drones set for release throughout 2025.
-
![US Army accelerates acquisition and field of company-level sUAS]()
US Army accelerates acquisition and field of company-level sUAS
The service has been using a Directed Requirement (DR) approach to speed up the deployment of a Medium Range Reconnaissance capability.
-
![AeroVironment to display eVTOL P550 at AUSA 2024]()
AeroVironment to display eVTOL P550 at AUSA 2024
AeroVironment’s portfolio will grow thanks to the eVTOL P550 aimed at battalion-level tactical forces.
-
![Australia’s air force aims its UAV fleet northwards]()
Australia’s air force aims its UAV fleet northwards
The Royal Australian Air Force is advancing its unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) capabilities across three key programmes as it works with the likes of Boeing and Northrop Grumman to reshape Australia’s defence strategy.
-
![FTUAS competitor trials were “very successful”, says US Army official]()
FTUAS competitor trials were “very successful”, says US Army official
Prototypes from Griffon Aerospace and Textron Systems recently passed through MOSA conformance trials and flight tests.
