ADF to base four new Triton surveillance aircraft at RAAF Tindal

Defence will soon base four new surveillance aircraft, capable of a 15,000km range, at RAAF Tindal, as part of $1.5bn upgrades to maritime patrols.

New surveillance aircraft with a range of 15,000 kilometres – the first of its kind in Australia – will be based in the Northern Territory from next year.

The federal government has announced it is spending $1.5bn on acquiring a fourth MQ-4C Triton remotely piloted aircraft system, with the first of the four to be delivered in 2024.

That figure is also going towards upgrades to the Air Force’s P-8A Poseidon Maritime Patrol Aircraft, improving the fleet’s anti-submarine warfare, maritime strike and intelligence collection capabilities.

When in service, all four Triton aircraft will be based at RAAF Base Tindal, near Katherine, and operated by the newly reformed Number 9 Squadron from RAAF Base Edinburgh in South Australia.

The static display of a replica of the Air Force MQ-4C Triton Remotely Piloted Aircraft System at the 2023 Avalon International Airshow. Picture: Supplied

The aircraft, manufactured by the Northrop Grumman Corporation, are being acquired by Defence in co-operation with the US Navy.

Able to travel at speeds of 600km/hr, the un-crewed aircraft can provide persistent surveillance over Australia’s maritime region within a distance of 15,000 kilometres.

The required ground and support systems for the Triton aircraft are also expected to create 40 high-skilled jobs in the Territory, as part of a $220m contract with Northrop Grumman.

Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy said the new aircraft would “enhance operations” from Australia’s northern bases – a priority under the Defence Strategic Review.

File photos of MQ-4C Triton, courtesy of Northrop Grumman. Image has been manipulated. Picture: Supplied

“The upgrades to the fleet of Poseidon aircraft (also) strengthens our ability to secure and protect Australia’s maritime interests,” he said.

“The investment in both these aircraft will deliver more jobs, capability and security for Australians.

“Australian industry can expect more work and opportunities to develop a highly skilled workforce through sustaining these aircraft, helping to ensure our Defence personnel have the capabilities they need to keep Australians safe.”

It is expected the first upgrades to Poseidon aircraft, which are based at RAAF Base Edinburgh, will be made in 2026 before the full fleet is enhanced by the end of this decade.

The ADF will work with Boeing Defence Australia on delivering the Poseidon upgrades on Australian shores, increasing local jobs and industry opportunities.