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Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has committed Australia to the $1.4 billion procurement of the first six Northrop Grumman MQ-4C Triton long-range surveillance drones, which will be used to support maritime border security and freedom of navigation operations (FONOP) throughout the region.
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The Prime Minister, along with Defence Industry Minister Christopher Pyne, announced the long-awaited procurement of the giant Northrop Grumman unmanned aerial systems (UAS) today as part of a joint program with the United States Navy.
"The Triton will complement the surveillance role of the P-8A Poseidon through sustained operations at long ranges as well as being able to undertake a range of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance tasks," said the Prime Minister.
The initial $1.4 billion investment in the Triton system will also include $364 million on new facilities at RAAF Bases Edinburgh and Tindal, as well as the necessary ground control systems, support and training required to implement a project of this scope.
PM Turnbull said, "The first of the Triton aircraft is expected to be introduced into service in mid-2023 with all six aircraft to be delivered and in operation by late 2025, based at RAAF Edinburgh, South Australia."
More to come.
