The Australian government signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the U.S. Navy June 25, to purchase up to six MQ-4C Triton Unmanned Air Systems (UAS).
The Royal Australian Air Force plans to operate Triton alongside the P-8A Poseidon to support its maritime patrol and other surveillance roles.
The MOU outlines the cooperative agreement between the two countries which will allow Australia to influence future design and development of the program.
The Royal Australian Air Force plans to operate Triton alongside the P-8A Poseidon to support its maritime patrol and other surveillance roles.
"Our team is eager to partner with Australia and enhance our ability to improve Australian and U.S. capabilities in that region," said Capt. Dan Mackin, the Navy's Persistent Maritime (PMA-262) UAS program office at Patuxent River. “This MOU allows for enhanced partnership with our Australian counterparts and will allow us to work side by side in further developing the Triton program.”
The U.S. Navy recently delivered the first operational aircraft to Point Mugu, California to prepare for an early operational capability (EOC) employment to the Pacific Area of Responsibility later this year. The EOC will include two baseline aircraft that will be equipped with multiple maritime sensors.
The Triton Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) is a high altitude long endurance (HALE) aircraft that will be used for maritime patrol and other surveillance roles.
Supporting missions up to 24 hours, the Triton is equipped with a sensor suite that provides a 360-degree view of its surroundings for over 2000 nautical miles.
