Australia orders a fourth MQ-4C Triton and upgrades P-8A fleet
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
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
![US plans to raise defence production by 300% but multiple uncertainties remain]()
US plans to raise defence production by 300% but multiple uncertainties remain
The strategy, schedule and budget to support Washington’s intention to speed up the manufacturing of defence capabilities remain unclear.
-
![Switzerland faces procurement shake-up with reduced F-35 buy and five-year Patriot delays]()
Switzerland faces procurement shake-up with reduced F-35 buy and five-year Patriot delays
The reduction in the number of planned F-35A aircraft from 36 to 30 by the Swiss government comes due to budget constraints, with no firm plans to fill the gap despite “negative consequences”.
-
![What will the replacement of A-10s by F-35s mean for the US Air Force?]()
What will the replacement of A-10s by F-35s mean for the US Air Force?
The USAF plans to phase out its 162 in-operation A-10 Thunderbolt II Warthogs by the end of FY2026, replacing them with F-35As which will bring a leap in capabilities in terms of lethality, survivability and speed.
-
![Embraer turns to AI solution for A-29 Super Tucano CUAS evolution]()
Embraer turns to AI solution for A-29 Super Tucano CUAS evolution
The AI solution is called Gunslinger, which will be used to assist the pilot in decision-making for counter-drone operations.
-
![European Defence Agency picks Airbus Helicopters’ Capa-X for M2UAS project]()
European Defence Agency picks Airbus Helicopters’ Capa-X for M2UAS project
The multi-mission uncrewed platform project is aiming to help the EU agency define new drone designs that are capable of performing a wide range of mission sets with one adaptable airframe.
