Summary

  • Australia to soon receive its first MQ-4C Triton drone, marking a significant boost for the RAAF.
  • Triton fleet will enhance Australia’s surveillance capabilities in the maritime domain significantly.
  • Development of the Ghost Bat drone with Boeing Australia signifies a milestone for Australian military aircraft manufacturing.

The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) is about to receive its first Northrop Grumman MQ-4C Triton (AUS 1) drone aircraft. The first Triton is expected to arrive after the final installation of ground support systems for the new unmanned system. Australia is to receive a total of four MQ-4C maritime surveillance drones as part of a cooperative agreement with the US Navy and Northrop Grumman. The Australian air force operates some of the newest American-made platforms, like the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (which is reportedly performing well in Australian service).

Australia soon to receive MQ-4C Triton

The Australian Department of Defence announced that the ‘Trailerised’ Forward Operating Base, which is the initial ground ‘Mission Control Station’ for the MQ-4C Triton, was successfully delivered to the RAAF Base Tindal in January. It also stated that the first MQ-4C maritime patrol drone would arrive in Australia very soon. Australia has also recently announced plans to acquire the fourth Triton drone along with upgrades to its P-8A fleet.

U.S. Navy's MQ-4C Triton surveillance drone

Photo: Michael Fitzsimmons l Shutterstock

The unmanned aircraft is reported to have completed the first leg of its journey to Australia. On February 16, it flew from its production facility in Palmdale, California, to Patuxent River in Maryland, where it received its final testing, fit-out, and certification before being transferred to Australia.

Separately, the RAAF is also working to develop the Ghost Bat drone as a loyal wingman drone. It is being developed in collaboration with Boeing Australia and is to be the first military combat aircraft to be designed, engineered, and manufactured in Australia in over 50 years.

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Triton: A boost for the RAAF

The Triton will join the RAAF’s collection of capable aircraft, including F/A-18F Super Hornets, EA-18G Growlers, F-35A Lightning IIs, and P-8A Poseidon. The Triton’s endurance allows it to stay airborne for longer than traditional manned aircraft. Australia operates a relatively small but modern air force and is one of the closest US allies in the Asia-Pacific region.

“The MQ-4C Triton will deliver unprecedented persistence and awareness over the maritime domain in support of the Integrated Force…This will significantly enhance our ability to persistently patrol Australia’s north and north-western approaches; in the south-west Pacific and south to Antarctica.” Head of Air Force Capability, Air Vice-Marshal Blyth

The RAAF states that the Triton fleet will be based at RAAF Base Tindal in the Northern Territory and will be operated by the newly formed Number 9 Squadron at RAAF Base Edinburgh, South Australia. They will be flown by qualified Australian Air Force pilots from a ground station and supported by a co-pilot.

Australian P-8A Poseidon

Photo: Royal Australian Air Force

The Triton fleet is expected to complement Australia’s fleet of P-8A Poseidon aircraft to create a ‘family of systems’ for ISR missions. Australia has a fleet of 12 Poseidon aircraft which are operated by No. 11 and No. 292 Squadrons at RAAF Base Edinburgh.

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