USN orders two more MQ-4C Tritons from Northrop Grumman
An MQ-4C Triton at Andersen AFB. (Photo: USAF)
The MQ-4C Triton autonomously operated system allows for persistent maritime ISR and is based on the USAF RQ-4B Global Hawk UAS.
The USN has awarded Northrop Grumman a $248 million contract modification to procure two additional LRIP MQ-4C Triton UAS.
According to a US DoD contract notice, the two UAS are being purchased as an addition to the MQ-4C Lot 5 procurement.
The first LRIP MQ-4C Triton configured to meet critical USN ISR requirements was delivered on 1 February to Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) at Naval Air Station Patuxent River.
The new contract modification for a further two UAS follows a March contract modification awarded to Northrop Grumman worth $97.31 million to continue MQ-4C Triton development efforts.
The March contract exercised options for continued testing, maintenance, logistics and sustainment for the UAS and mission control and operator training systems.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![AUSA 2025: Boeing and Leonardo partner to pursue US Army rotary training contract]()
AUSA 2025: Boeing and Leonardo partner to pursue US Army rotary training contract
Leonardo’s AW119T helicopter will be offered as a solution for the Flight School Next contract, an initiative which aims to overhaul the US Army’s Initial Entry Rotary Wing training.
-
![AUSA 2025: Lockheed Martin conducts first ground-based demo of JAGM Quad Launcher]()
AUSA 2025: Lockheed Martin conducts first ground-based demo of JAGM Quad Launcher
The first live-fire demonstration of the Joint Air-to-Ground Missile Quad Launcher was tested against a ground vehicle, with further tests against a UAS target planned for the system next month.
-
![“Balance” to be struck between KC-46As and NGAS programme, says USAF chief of staff nominee]()
“Balance” to be struck between KC-46As and NGAS programme, says USAF chief of staff nominee
Gen Kenneth Wilsbach responded to questions about the US Air Force’s ongoing modernisation plans during his nomination hearing, emphasising the need for the current and future aerial refuelling platforms.
