MQ-4C Triton Uncrewed Aircraft System

The MQ-4C Triton high-altitude, long-endurance (HALE) remotely piloted aircraft system is a high-altitude aircraft that will be used for maritime patrol and other surveillance roles.

Australia's Triton fleet will be based at RAAF Base Tindal, Northern Territory, and operated by the newly reformed No. 9 Squadron at RAAF Base Edinburgh, South Australia, by qualified Air Force pilots from a ground station, supported by a co-pilot.

The Triton is capable of monitoring 40,000 square kilometres a day and seamlessly flying a round trip for sustained surveillance and in support of allied freedom of navigation operations in the South China Sea from the Northern Territory – increasing Australia’s interoperability with key allies, particularly the US.

The Triton is designed to operate in conjunction with Australia’s planned fleet of 12 manned P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol and anti-submarine aircraft.

Based on the proven Global Hawk UAS, Triton’s autonomous operations are supported by land-based command and control mission planners and sensor operators.

Triton will be equipped with a unique and robust mission sensor suite that provides 360-degree coverage on all sensors, providing unprecedented maritime domain awareness for the US Navy.