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
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
BAE Systems' UK Combat Air Demonstrator closes in on final assembly
The first render for the demonstrator was unveiled in July 2025, with BAE Systems now aiming for the start of final assembly by the end of 2026 to prepare the aircraft for first flight by 2027.
-
Rapid APKWS integration sparks “strong” demand from Typhoon customers
The recent operational use and success of the APKWS laser-guidance kit on the UK RAF's Typhoons has driven demand from other Eurofighter customers for integration of the system on their own combat aircraft fleet, according to BAE Systems.
-
Callen-Lenz pushes ahead with Nyan OWE as it hails operational success
The one-way-effector uncrewed aerial vehicle has also been tested by the British Army, following on from its contract award notice in February 2026.
-
Eurosatory 2026: Locally produced loitering munition destined for UAE Navy, says MBDA
The contract signed between MBDA and Fly-R will see diamond-shaped loitering munitions developed and prepared in the UAE. How does this move fit into wider market trends in the region?
-
Eurosatory 2026: MBDA and Thales look to civilian industry for loitering munition scale-up
Thales and MBDA have taken steps to ensure the mass production of their respective loitering munition offerings at Eurosatoy, teaming with civilian manufacturers. These moves come amid France’s push towards sovereign drone production and continued market expansion.