MQ-4C Triton UAS reaches initial operational capability with US Navy
The MQ-4C Triton has achieved a declaration of initial operating capability (IOC) by the USN, with five aircraft now in active service. (Photo: Northrop Grumman)
The MQ-4C Triton uncrewed aircraft has officially achieved Initial Operating Capability (IOC) with the US Navy.
Northrop Grumman's multi-intelligence MQ-4C Triton uncrewed aircraft has achieved a declaration of initial IOC by the USN.
Since achieving early operational capability in May 2020, the navy's Pacific Fleet has employed Triton in the US Indo-Pacific Command area of responsibility conducting maritime and reconnaissance missions.
Northrop Grumman has delivered five multi-intelligence Triton aircraft to the navy, with the latest delivered in June 2023.
Related Articles
USN orders two more MQ-4C Tritons from Northrop Grumman
Japan receives its full complement of Global Hawks
US to increase investment in deterrence in the Indo-Pacific theatre
Rho Cauley Bruner, director, Triton programme, at Northrop Grumman said: 'Triton has proven to be invaluable for the maritime patrol and reconnaissance mission in the Indo-Pacific. Now that the system has achieved initial operating capability, commanders will be able to fully leverage Triton’s powerful sensor suite to detect and deter potential adversaries around the world.'
In its multi-intelligence configuration, the MQ-4C features a 360-degree AESA maritime radar, full-motion EO/IR video streaming, and an upgraded ZLA-1(v2) ELINT sensor and a new SIGINT sensor based on those used on the crewed EP-3E.
Shephard Defence Insight notes that the USN has ordered a total of 65 MQ-4Cs, and based on the navy's FY2022 budget request, the flyaway unit cost of a Triton is $141.8 million.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![Bell selected over Boeing to build DARPA SPRINT X-Plane]()
Bell selected over Boeing to build DARPA SPRINT X-Plane
The programme first began in 2023 with Bell and Boeing’s concepts progressing to Phase 1B, in which testing has been carried out over the last year.
-
![National Audit Office report highlights major delays in UK’s F-35 programme]()
National Audit Office report highlights major delays in UK’s F-35 programme
The report discloses that while the capability provided by the F-35 is superior to previous UK aircraft, delays from the UK Ministry of Defence on the programme have significantly impacted the country’s warfighting capabilities.
-
![France and UK to resume and upgrade Storm Shadow/SCALP production]()
France and UK to resume and upgrade Storm Shadow/SCALP production
The new ‘Entente Industrielle’ will work on a range of other projects to boost the UK economy and defence industry, including joint development on new high-tech frequency weapons and extended range air-to-air missiles.
-
![Boeing E-7A still in South Korean AEW&C competition, despite dropout reports]()
Boeing E-7A still in South Korean AEW&C competition, despite dropout reports
The E-7A is one of three aircraft submitted for the South Korean AEW&C II competition, which seeks to acquire four more aircraft of the type for its air force by 2028.
-
![France pushes for 80% workshare as FCAS programme nears critical development stage]()
France pushes for 80% workshare as FCAS programme nears critical development stage
Tensions on the programme have long simmered, with Airbus and Dassault recently clashing over workshare in June ahead of the Paris Air Show. The sixth-generation fighter programme is due to replace Rafale and Eurofighter Typhoon jets beginning in 2040.
-
![US Air Force conducts climate testing with the T-7A Red Hawk]()
US Air Force conducts climate testing with the T-7A Red Hawk
The trainer aircraft recently completed the second round of extreme weather trials after enduring icy, windy and sunny conditions.
