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Australia orders a fourth MQ-4C Triton and upgrades P-8A fleet

20th September 2023 - 08:21 GMT | by Gordon Arthur in Christchurch

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Australia will procure a fourth MQ-4C Triton for the RAAF. (Image: RAAF)

Australia will buy another MQ-4C Triton for maritime surveillance, plus its partner the P-8A will undergo an upgrade programme.

Australia announced that it had confirmed an order for a fourth MQ-4C Triton HALE UAV for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) on 19 September. Simultaneously, it reported an upgrade programme for its fleet of P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft.

The total cost of these two programmes amounts to more than A$1.5 billion ($969.6 million).

Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy commented, ‘The purchase of an additional Triton will enhance operations from Australia’s northern bases, a priority under the Defence Strategic Review.’

Additionally, Canberra signed a A$220 million interim sustainment support contract with Northrop Grumman Australia. This will create ’a

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