Australia to purchase second Triton RPA
The Australian government is set to purchase a second MQ-4C Triton remotely piloted aircraft (RPA), the Australian Department of Defence announced on 27 March.
The government plans to acquire a minimum of six Triton aircraft through a cooperative programme with the US Navy. The first Triton aircraft will be introduced into service in mid-2023 with all six currently expected to be delivered by late 2025.
The RPA will be based at RAAF Base Edinburgh in South Australia and will be used to protect Australia’s maritime areas from threats such as people smuggling and the exploitation of natural resources. The Tritons will also be deployed to perform enhanced ISR tasks to support government operations.
Christopher Pyne, Australia’s Minister of Defence, said: ‘The Triton – which will complement our manned P-8A Poseidon aircraft – will significantly enhance our anti-submarine warfare and maritime strike capability as well as our ability to monitor and secure Australia’s maritime approaches.’
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