USN receives ISR-configured Triton
MQ-4C Triton pictured in the skies above the California desert. (Photo: Northrop Grumman)
The first LRIP MQ-4C Triton configured to meet critical ISR requirements for the USN was delivered on 1 February to NAVAIR at Naval Air Station Patuxent River.
Manufacturer Northrop Grumman added on 2 February that the Triton LRIP schedule is progressing as planned.
The US has ordered 65 Tritons while Australia has ordered three, according to Shephard Defence Insight.
FY2022 budget documents showed that the US DoD requested a one-year production gap for Triton in FY2022 to support development of the Multi-INT configuration, with recommencement planned in FY2023.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
MQ-4 Triton (Announced/Contracted) [USA]
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
CH-47 Chinook: why the iconic helicopter design is still a heavy-lift contender (updated 2026)
From its emergence as a ground-breaking design in the 1950s to its widespread deployment in diverse operations worldwide, the Chinook continues to leave an indelible mark on the aviation landscape. Shephard sums up the helicopter’s latest developments.
-
US Air Force to increase JASSM anti-interference and accuracy capabilities
The USAF is conducting market research to inform the procurement process for a new GPS/GNSS M-code receiver for the JASSM.
-
US approves $16.5 billion in ‘emergency’ sales for air defence equipment for Middle East allies
The United Arab Emirates has taken the lion’s share of this round, with the US supporting its F-16 fleet and signing off on possible sales for more AMRAAM AIM-120 missiles and a counter-drone system.
-
How uncrewed rotary platforms are shaping approaches to contested logistics
Defence industry primes are working on an array of different platforms to meet the growing need for rotary uncrewed aerial vehicles to carry out future logistics missions.