Third Australian Triton UAS completes testing
Australia’s third multi-intelligence MQ-4C Triton, also known as “AUS3,” takes to the skies for its first flight. (Photo: Northrop Grumman)
Australia received its first MQ-4C Triton uncrewed aerial system (UAS) in August last year with another two expected to be delivered this year.
Northrop Grumman has completed testing of the third MQ-4C Triton UAS for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) with further testing to take place before the platform’s delivery to Australia along with the second aircraft.
Flight tests of the third platform took place at the company’s Palmdale facility in California and preparations are underway for the aircraft to be ferried to Naval Air Station in Patuxent River, Maryland. At this site it will undergo calibration testing alongside the second aircraft.
Once fully fielded, the aircraft will be operated by the Number 9 Squadron from two locations to perform surveillance over the Indo-Pacific region: RAAF Base Edinburgh in South Australia and RAAF Base Tindal in the Northern Territory.
Related Articles
Australia’s Tritons edge closer to operations as service contract signed
Australian Triton takes to the skies
First Triton welcomed into RAAF service
Shephard Defence Insight notes the Australian Department of Defence's '2020-2021 Major Projects Report', published in December 2021, stated that the MQ-4C Triton was initially expected to achieve Initial Operational Capability in July 2024.
However, in 2021, the DoD forecast that Full Operational Capability (FOC) was delayed from late 2025 to mid-2031. The report stated that “significant delays have... been experienced” and that the new forecasted FOC schedule now better reflects the aircraft's production schedule.
Australia originally ordered four aircraft but later exercised an option for a further two. The aircraft is a maritime version of the Global Hawk UAS and in Australian service is expected to operate with P-8A maritime patrol aircraft. The main area of operation will be off Australia’s north-west coast.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
MQ-4C Triton (Option) [Australia]
MQ-4C Triton (Contracted) [Australia]
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![US Navy acquires additional anti-submarine warfare kits for P-8A Poseidon aircraft]()
US Navy acquires additional anti-submarine warfare kits for P-8A Poseidon aircraft
The contract modification, awarded to Boeing, is worth $61.2 million and will support the US Navy’s (USN's) evolution of its P-8 Poseidon aircraft as continued upgrades are made to boost its capabilities and lethality.
-
![Union slams “self-sabotage” of UK government over Typhoon production]()
Union slams “self-sabotage” of UK government over Typhoon production
The UK Ministry of Defence remains resolute that the Typhoon sits at the heart of the country’s air defence capabilities and is focused on the aircraft’s potential export orders, despite its continued focus on F-35 procurement.
-
![South Korea considers cancellation of second AH-64E Apache helicopter purchase]()
South Korea considers cancellation of second AH-64E Apache helicopter purchase
The likely scrapping of Boeing’s Apache helicopter comes after a huge budget cut approved by the South Korean National Assembly. The helicopter procurement had already been reconsidered by the country’s Joint Chiefs of Staff earlier in the year.
-
![UK to receive 27 additional F-35 aircraft by end of decade]()
UK to receive 27 additional F-35 aircraft by end of decade
The number of aircraft was stated by UK Defence Secretary John Healey during a Defence Committee hearing. It follows on from the UK’s decision to purchase F-35A aircraft to boost its nuclear deterrence, although hurdles and questions about the order still remain.
-
![Paraguayan Air Force receives four A-29 Super Tucano aircraft]()
Paraguayan Air Force receives four A-29 Super Tucano aircraft
Six Super Tucano aircraft were ordered in July 2024, with Paraguay the fifth South American country to add the aircraft to modernise its fleet.
