RAAF Will Operate UAVs Alongside P-8 Poseidons

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 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.

"Australia’s alliance with the US is our most important defence relationship, underpinned by strong cooperation in defence industry and capability development," said Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull in a media release.

"This cooperative program will strengthen our ability to to develop advanced capability and conduct joint military operations.

"As part of the initial $1.4 billion (Australian) investment in the Triton system, the Government will invest $364 million (AU) on new facilities at RAAF Base Edinburgh and RAAF Base Tindal, as well the necessary ground control systems, support and training required to implement a project of this nature. The project is expected to create about 70 jobs across South Australia and the Northern Territory.

"Northrop Grumman as supplier of the Triton will play a lead role in delivering the capability in Australia. This investment follows Northrop’s commitment to a $50 million advanced Electronic Sustainment Center of Excellence at the new Western Sydney Airport.

"Australia has already taken delivery of seven Poseidon aircraft and achieved Initial Operational Capability earlier this year. The full fleet of 12 Poseidon aircraft is expected to be delivered and in operation by 2022.

"The first of the Triton aircraft is expected to be introduced into service in mid-2023 with all six aircraft planned to be delivered and in operation by late 2025, based at RAAF Base, Edinburgh in South Australia," Turnbull said.

(Image provided with U.S. Navy news release. Additional information provided by the Government of Australia)

FMI: www.navair.navy.mil, www.pm.gov.au