Australia to Soon Receive 2 MQ-4C Triton Drones

Australia is set to receive two MQ-4C Triton drones this year as part of its ongoing procurement program.

Northrop Grumman has completed flight testing for the Royal Australian Air Force’s (RAAF) third Triton, known as "AUS3," at its Palmdale, California, facility. The aircraft will be transferred to Naval Air Station Patuxent River in Maryland for calibration testing alongside Australia's second Triton before final delivery.

The MQ-4C Triton is a high-altitude, long-endurance uncrewed aerial system (UAS) designed for maritime surveillance.

Australia received its first Triton in August 2024 and is acquiring additional units to operate alongside its P-8A Poseidon fleet. The aircraft will be assigned to RAAF’s 9th Squadron, operating from RAAF Base Edinburgh in South Australia and RAAF Base Tindal in the Northern Territory. These bases will support patrols over the northwest coast, an area identified for defense operations.

Australia initially planned for the Triton to reach Initial Operational Capability (IOC) by July 2024, but delays have moved Full Operational Capability (FOC) to mid-2031. The Department of Defence cited adjustments in the production schedule as the reason for the revised timeline.

The MQ-4C Triton is derived from the Global Hawk and includes sensors for maritime monitoring. It has a wingspan of 39.9 meters, a length of 14.5 meters, and is powered by a Rolls-Royce F137 engine. The aircraft can fly for up to 24 hours without refueling.

Australia originally ordered four Tritons but later expanded the order to six. The aircraft will contribute to intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions in the Indo-Pacific region.