Australia’s Tritons edge closer to operations as service contract signed
Australia has signed an interim support contract for Triton UAS. (Image: Australian DoD)
The reality of Royal Australian Air Force MQ-4C Tritons UAS patrolling Australia’s surrounding oceans, particularly the north-west coast, has come a step closer with the Australian Department of Defence (DoD) signing an Interim Sustainment Support Contract with Northrop Grumman.
The deal to supply the UASs has been valued at around AUD220 million (US$141 million) following the signing on 8 November.
The first of four Tritons, with ground and support systems, will be due for delivery next year. The support contract will be expected to run through until 2027, by which time it has been planned for the first aircraft to enter service, with a permanent support contract set
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Naval Warfare
-
Future of the US Navy’s Arleigh Burke programme remains unclear
The US Navy does not have a precise date for the award of the procurement contract for the third Arleigh Burke-class destroyer despite having the funds to advance with the programme in FY2025.
-
US Navy may look to foreign suppliers to accelerate shipbuilding programmes
The US Navy (USN) is currently reassessing its acquisition efforts and seeking ways to reduce the multiple delays across the shipbuilding initiatives.
-
Australia commissions HMAS Arafura three-and-a-half years behind schedule
The Royal Australian Navy has finally commissioned the first Arafura-class offshore patrol vessel – more than three years behind schedule – highlighting the programme’s delays, design compromises and ongoing industrial restructuring.
-
Italy orders two ships as work begins on others along with deliveries and updates
The Italian Navy is being refreshed with two new ships ordered, while in the past six months steel was cut for a new frigate, an enhanced frigate was delivered and Horizon-class frigates passed a design review.