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Northrop Grumman has completed the testing of the RAAF’s third MQ-4C Triton.
The Australian government has already announced its intention to purchase four of the surveillance drones, which can fly at 50,000 feet for more than 24 hours at a time.
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The first Triton was delivered in June last year and the fleet will eventually be based in Base Tindal in the Northern Territory and operated by the reformed No. 9 Squadron, located at Base Edinburgh in South Australia.
A Northrop statement released earlier this month confirmed the most recent series of testing at the company’s Palmdale facility in California.
“The company is preparing to ferry the aircraft to Naval Air Station in Patuxent River, Maryland, where it will join Australia’s second Triton for calibration testing before delivery of both aircraft to the Royal Australian Air Force,” according to the company statement.
“Robust flight testing and validation of these uncrewed high-altitude, long-endurance aircraft are key milestones ahead of delivery to Australia this year.
“Australia’s air force is collaborating with Northrop Grumman and the US Navy to field the most advanced maritime intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and targeting capability available today.”
The aircraft will complement the ADF’s crewed P-8A Poseidon fleet as a “family of systems” to undertake enhanced intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance in support of Defence operations.
Air Marshal Stephen Chappell, Australia’s Chief of Air Force, previously said the Tritons would “significantly enhance” the RAAF’s ability to patrol Australia’s north and broader maritime approaches.
“The MQ-4C Triton will deliver unprecedented persistence and awareness over the maritime domain in support of the integrated, focused force,” he said.
“Uncrewed aerial systems offer enormous potential to capitalise on the opportunities provided by modern payloads and increased endurance.”
Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy added last year that the investment would deliver a “generational uplift” in the ADF’s long-range capabilities.
“The MQ-4C Triton will significantly enhance the security of Australia’s maritime borders – a key priority supported by the Integrated Investment Program and as outlined in the National Defence Strategy,” he said.
“The arrival of the Triton represents a significant milestone for Air Force and clearly demonstrates the success of the cooperative program with the United States Navy. Our partnership strengthens our ability in joint operations and is underpinned by the strong cooperation with defence industry to develop advanced capability.”
