Australia’s Tritons edge closer to operations as service contract signed
Australia has signed an interim support contract for Triton UAS. (Image: Australian DoD)
Australia’s Exclusive Economic Zone off the north-west coast stretches almost to the edge of the continental shelf, in places more than 500km from the coastline, and Tritons and upgraded P-8As will massively boost patrol capability as integrated systems.
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?
Read this Article
Get access to this article with a Free Basic Account
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 2 free stories per week
- Daily news round-up email service
- Access to all Decisive Edge email newsletters
Unlimited Access
Access to all our premium news as a Premium News 365 Member. Corporate subscriptions available.
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 14-day free trial (cancel at any time)
- Unlimited access to all published premium news
More from Naval Warfare
-
![NATO allies gather in Scotland for major naval exercises]()
NATO allies gather in Scotland for major naval exercises
Exercise Strike Warrior will run for two weeks, training navies in interoperability and combat techniques.
-
![Russia launches final Project 636.3 submarine for Pacific fleet]()
Russia launches final Project 636.3 submarine for Pacific fleet
The Yakutsk, built by Admiralty Shipyards, is intended for service in the far east of the Russian Federation.
-
![Virginia-class submarines get contract modifications from General Dynamics]()
Virginia-class submarines get contract modifications from General Dynamics
There are scheduled to be 51 Virginia-class submarines in the US fleet by the early 2030s.
-
![Steel cutting begins on third Type 31 Inspiration-class frigate in UK]()
Steel cutting begins on third Type 31 Inspiration-class frigate in UK
HMS Formidable has begun steel cutting just 20 months after its predecessor vessel, HMS Active.
