The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) formally accepted the first of four Northrop Grumman MQ-4C Triton uncrewed aircraft during a ceremony at RAAF Base Tindal, Northern Territory on 31 July 2024.
The initial RAAF MQ-4C (s/n A57-001) arrived at Tindal on 16 June 2024 following a three-stage flight from Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland in the United States.
Northrop Grumman personnel worked with RAAF counterparts to prepare for the aircraft's arrival and support basing activities, said a statement from the manufacturer.
The company said: “The arrival of the high-altitude, long-endurance Triton enables Australia to deploy the most advanced maritime intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and targeting capability available today.”
Once fully fielded by the RAAF, Triton will be operated by No.9 Squadron from RAAF Base Edinburgh in South Australia and RAAF Base Tindal to undertake missions over the Indo-Pacific region.
Australia’s Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Stephen Chappell, wrote on the social media network X: “The Triton has been delivered following an incredible amount of work from those in Defence, and our friends in the US Navy, US Department of Defense, and industry.”
