IRIA News

The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) received its first MQ-4C Triton uncrewed surveillance aircraft from U.S. defense firm Northrop Grumman. The RAAF unveiled the new aircraft during a ceremony at RAAF Base Tindal, Northern Territory.

The Northrop Grumman said in a statement that the high-altitude, long-endurance (HALE) MQ-4C Triton enables Australia to deploy the most advanced maritime intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and targeting capability available today.

The U.S. defense firm highlighted that Northrop Grumman personnel worked closely with their RAAF counterparts to prepare for the aircraft’s arrival and support basing activities. The first MQ-4C Triton arrived at RAAF Base Tindal on June 16 following a three-segment flight from Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland.

Chief executive and general manager of Australia & New Zealand at Northrop Grumman, Christine Zeitz said, “As one of the most advanced intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and targeting systems in the world, and a product of a cooperative development program between Australia and the United States, Triton is a proven multi-mission, multi-domain national security asset vital to the Australian Defence Force during this critical time.

U.S. Navy Triton program manager, Capt. Josh Guerre highlighted, “The delivery of Australia’s first MQ-4C represents a significant step in a collaboration between the U.S. and Australia to drive the future of multi domain intelligence collection. The U.S. Navy is thrilled to collaborate with Australia to deliver this game changing intelligence capability into the 7^th Fleet area of responsibility.”

The MQ-4C UAV missions can cover the area of all the Earth’s oceans 61 times a year. The drone has a wingspan of 130.9 feet which is longer than that of the Boeing 737-900 aircraft. Its wings are designed to “withstand 40% stronger winds than the maximum gust load the aircraft is expected to experience in the real world”.

Northrop Grumman completed the first flight of Australia’s MQ-4C Triton uncrewed aircraft at its Palmdale facility in November 2023. The first flight was conducted with a total flight time of approximately 6 hours and 24 minutes. During the test, airworthiness evaluations, including engine tests, flight control and fuel system checks, and basic aircraft handling tests were conducted.

The MQ-4C UAV achieved a declaration of initial operating capability (IOC) by the U.S. Navy in August 2023. Initially, Australia placed an order for 3 Triton UAVs, however, in September 2023, the Australian government announced the addition of a fourth aircraft to enhance the resilience of their fleet and protect the country’s maritime interests. The Triton program once completed will revolutionize Maritime Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance in the Indo-Pacific region.

The remaining three Australian Tritons currently under contract are progressing as planned through their production schedules. “Once fully fielded, Triton will be operated by the Number 9 Squadron from two locations to perform surveillance over the Indo-Pacific region: RAAF Base Edinburgh in South Australia, and RAAF Base Tindal in the Northern Territory,” the Northrop Grumman statement read.

MQ-4C Triton

The multi-intelligence and HALE MQ-4C Triton uncrewed aircraft system, built for the U.S. Navy and Royal Australian Air Force, provides real-time intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and targeting (ISR&T). The Triton is capable of extraordinary range, endurance, and speed and has a 360-degree sensor suite integrated into the aircraft.

The MQ-4C Triton platform supports various missions including maritime patrol, signals intelligence, and search and rescue. Force and fleet commanders receive Triton’s persistent surveillance data to help predict enemies’ behavior, enabling the officers to better plan, and enhance joint military response and operations.

Northrop Grumman first introduced MQ-4C UAV in May 2018. The U.S. Navy is the main operator of MQ-4C Triton and the program calls for a total number of 68 MQ-4C Triton aircraft. 

Key Features of MQ-4C UAV

• Endurance: 30 hours
• Maximum speed: 357 mph (575 km/h, 320 know)
• Range: 9,400 mi (15,200 km, 8,200 nmi)
• Service ceiling: 17,000 meters (56,000 ft)
• Length: 14.5 meters (47.7 feet)
• Wingspan: 39.9 meters (130.11 feet)
• Height: 4.6 meters (15.5 feet)
• Empty weight: 6,781 kg (14,945 lb)
• Gross weight: 14,630 kg (32,250 lb)