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KBR has welcomed two separate contracts to provide mission support services for the Royal Australian Air Force’s first MQ-4C Triton Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems.
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The two contracts with the Australian Department of Defence will see KBR support Triton’s aeronautical and geospatial requirements, mission planning network development, and mission planning ahead of the delivery of the first of four Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) platforms plus associated support and mission systems to the Royal Australian Air Force in the second half of 2024.
Nic Maan, KBR vice-president, government services APAC, welcomed the contract signing, saying, “These two new contracts are a great reflection of the team’s efforts in supporting MQ-4C Triton during 2023 and our company’s world-leading mission planning and sustainment capabilities.”
These new contracts build on the company’s work supporting the fleet of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems. In 2023, KBR’s team supported a range of technical activities to support RPAS operations in Australia.
The contracts include surveying airfields which will be integral to activation of the sites to enable the operation of the aircraft. KBR will use this data to produce complex mission plans that the MQ-4C Triton air vehicle pilot will use to taxi, take-off, conduct missions, and land.
“KBR has, for more than a decade, developed and grown critical mission planning capabilities supporting the Royal Australian Navy, Army, and Air Force,” Maan added.
This contract announcement comes following the first successful flight of the Royal Australian Air Force’s first MQ-4C Triton in November 2023.
The first MQ-4C Triton and relevant ground and support systems are scheduled for delivery to Australia in 2024. The Triton aircraft will provide long-range, persistent surveillance across Australia’s maritime region and will be based at RAAF Base Tindal and operated by No. 9 Squadron at RAAF Base Edinburgh.
The first Poseidon aircraft is expected to enter the upgrade program in 2026, with the final aircraft to be completed in 2030. The ADF is expected to work with Boeing Defence Australia on options for domestic installation of new Poseidon capabilities.
