Northrop Grumman unveils first Australian Triton
The first MQ-4C Triton destined for the RAAF was unveiled in Palmdale, California. (Northrop Grumman)
Although behind schedule for handover to the RAAF compared to the original schedule, the first Triton has been unveiled.
On 14 September, the first MQ-4C Triton HALE UAV for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) was unveiled at the production facilities of Northrop Grumman in Palmdale, California.
Construction of this particular aircraft commenced at Moss Point, Mississippi in October 2020. Then, its fuselage and one-piece wing were then mated at Palmdale last December. Production should be completed next year, before handover to the RAAF in 2024.
Tom Jones, corporate VP and president of Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems, said: ‘Today marks a significant milestone for Australia and the MQ-4C Triton programme. As we get ready for final system integration and
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
![Singapore Airshow 2026: RSAF refreshes air transport capability as part of force modernisation]()
Singapore Airshow 2026: RSAF refreshes air transport capability as part of force modernisation
Singapore is understood to have received three of four ex-Spanish C-130Hs from Blue Aerospace in recent weeks.
-
![“Dramatic leaps in processing capability”: how GDMS–UK is evolving mission systems for the modern battlespace]()
“Dramatic leaps in processing capability”: how GDMS–UK is evolving mission systems for the modern battlespace
In Conversation... Shephard’s Gerrard Cowan talks to Sam Steggall, GDMS–UK’s Senior Director – Air and Naval UK, about the company’s extensive and proven in-country capability to deliver complex avionics solutions and its key role on major Royal Air Force and Royal Navy aircraft programmes.
-
![Spain air report: Demand builds with $19.7 billion up for grabs in unawarded contracts]()
Spain air report: Demand builds with $19.7 billion up for grabs in unawarded contracts
Despite Spain’s modest GDP spend on defence, the country still has a range of fixed-wing and UAV programme requirements as yet unawarded, with a potential US$3.10 billion set to be spent over the next decade.
