The MQ-4C Triton is a High Altitude Long Endurance Remotely Piloted Aircraft System which will complement the P- 8A Poseidon maritime aircraft acquired under AIR 7000 Phase 2 as a ‘family of systems’.
The Triton aircraft will be home based at RAAF Base Tindal, with operations headquartered at RAAF Base Edinburgh by the reformed No.9 Squadron. The Triton will be capable of supporting missions of over 24 hours while covering an area of over one million square nautical miles; an area larger than Western Australia.
Defence has entered a Cooperative Program with the United States Navy for development, production, and sustainment of the Triton capability. Under this arrangement, Triton is being acquired through a United States Navy contract to Northrop Grumman Corporation.
Opportunities for Australian industry participation will exist on a competitive contracting basis throughout the lifecycle of MQ-4C Triton, including facilities construction, deeper maintenance, training system operation and support, mission planning system support, sustainment, logistics support and component repair.
Note: Government has approved the acquisition of four Triton aircraft and supporting systems.
Content is current as at February 2024.