Australia’s First MQ-4C Maritime Surveillance UAV Rolled Out

Australia’s first MQ-4C Triton Remotely Piloted Aircraft has been rolled out September 15 as part of a partnership between the Australian Department of Defence, the U.S. Navy and Northrop Grumman.

Head Air Force Capability, Air Vice-Marshal Robert Denne said, “Once in service, the remotely piloted High Altitude Long Endurance aerial system will significantly enhance our ability to persistently patrol Australia’s north and north-western approaches, in the south-west Pacific and south to Antarctica.

“Triton will complement the surveillance role of the P-8A Poseidon by providing sustained operations at long ranges, and undertaking a range of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance tasks. Australian Defence will invest more than $900 million in Australian industry, including sustainment, ICT and facilities.”

“Triton will provide the Royal Australian Air Force with an unprecedented capability to monitor and protect our maritime approaches” said Air Marshal Robert Chipman, Chief of the Royal Australian Air Force.

The first aircraft, of up to seven in total, to be completed and delivered to Australia in 2024.

Once delivered, the MQ-4C Tritons will be primarily based at RAAF Base Tindal in the Northern Territory while being controlled from facilities at RAAF Base Edinburgh.