Australian Navy to acquire Triton UAV long-range capability

The Government has committed to the acquisition of the highly-capable Triton Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), subject to the successful completion of the US Navy development programme currently under way.

These aircraft will patrol Australia’s vast ocean approaches, and work closely with other existing and future Australian Defence Force assets to secure our ocean resources, including energy resources off northern Australia, and help to protect our borders.

They will provide the Australian Defence Force with unprecedented maritime surveillance capabilities, operating at altitudes up to 55,000 feet over extremely long ranges while remaining airborne for up to 33 hours. The Triton UAVs will be based in Adelaide, bringing significant economic benefits to South Australia.

This acquisition will require approximately $140 million of new facilities and infrastructure, approximately $100 million of which will be invested in South Australia. This potentially involves the expansion and enhancement of existing facilities and infrastructure at RAAF Base Edinburgh. Support requirements for Triton should create approximately $20 million annually in further opportunities for South Australian companies.

The total number of Triton UAVs to be acquired and their introduction into service date will be further considered by Government in 2016, based on the Defence White Paper.

The Northrop Grumman MQ-4C Triton is a large drone - its wingspan is bigger than a Boeing 737 - able to fly at 16,750 metres or higher for more than 30 hours and are to support the new P-8A Poseidons.