UAV - Australia kjøper Triton nr. 2 - UAS Vision

Australia Confirms Purchase of Second MQ-4C Triton

The Australian government has confirmed the acquisition of a second Northrop Grumman MQ-4C Triton high altitude long endurance maritime unmanned ISR air vehicle.

Defence Minister Christopher Pyne and Minister for Defence Industry Linda Reynolds announced the purchase second MQ-4C on Wednesday.

The government has said previously it expected the first MQ-4C to be delivered in 2023, with a planned fleet of six aircraft to be in place by late 2025 and based at RAAF Base Edinburgh in South Australia.

The acquisition of a second MQ-4C follows the June 2018 Gate 2 milestone for Project AIR 7000 Phase 1B for the first of six Tritons for the RAAF.

“The Triton – which will complement our manned P-8A Poseidon aircraft – will significantly enhance our anti-submarine warfare and maritime strike capability as well as our ability to monitor and secure Australia’s maritime approaches,” Pyne said in a statement.

“These capabilities help us protect our maritime area from threats such as people smuggling, and the exploitation of our natural resources from activities like illegal fishing. The Tritons will also be able to undertake enhanced intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance tasks to support whole-of-government operations.”