MQ-4C Triton

Making the World's Oceans Smaller

Triton flying above clouds
two military planes on tarmac with mountains and blue sky

Program Overview

Northrop Grumman's MQ-4C Triton unmanned aircraft system (UAS) provides real-time intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) over vast ocean and coastal regions.

Based on the proven Global Hawk UAS, Triton's autonomous operations are supported by land-based command and control mission planners and sensor operators. Triton will be equipped with a unique and robust mission sensor suite that provides 360-degree coverage on all sensors, providing unprecedented maritime domain awareness for the U.S. Navy.

Triton also incorporates a reinforced airframe, for increased internal payload, and wing for hail, bird strike, and gust load protection, along with de-icing and lightning protection systems. These features allow the aircraft to descend and ascend through harsh maritime weather environments to gain a closer view of ships and other targets at sea when needed.

Built for the U.S. Navy, Triton will support a wide range of missions including maritime ISR patrol, signals intelligence, search and rescue and communications relay. The aircraft can fly over 24 hours at a time, at altitudes higher than 10 miles, with an operational range of 8,200 nautical miles.

The Navy's program of record calls for 68 aircraft to be fielded.

See the Triton Flight Crew in Action

InfoGraphic – TRITON: 5 Years and Going Strong

Illustration of the Triton aircraft

Triton by the Numbers

Triton in the News

military drone inflight

Australia’s First MQ-4C Triton Takes Flight

aircraft on runway

Australia Commits to Additional MQ-4C Triton

aircraft flying over an ocean

Northrop Grumman MQ-4C Triton Achieves Initial Operating Capability with the US Navy

Unmanned military aircraft flying in the sky

Northrop Grumman Delivers Fourth Triton to U.S. Navy for Initial Operational Capability

rendering of joint force military exercise

Northrop Grumman MQ-4C Triton Flying Test Bed Demonstrates Targeting Capability During Northern Edge 2023

rendering of connecting distributed platforms across domains

Northrop Grumman Connects Distributed Platforms Across Domains

Multi-platform demonstration showcased interoperability among F-35, MQ-4C Triton, E-2D Advanced Hawkeye and naval ships

aircraft on runway at sunrise

Northrop Grumman Unveils First Australian MQ-4C Triton

aircraft flying with snow capped mountains in background

Northrop Grumman Delivers First Production IFC-4 Triton to US Navy

aircraft being assembled in hangar

Australia’s First MQ-4C Triton Takes Shape

Two men checking out a computer bank

Northrop Grumman Australia Delivers Triton NITE Capability Ahead of Schedule

unmanned surveillance plane flying in blue skies

MQ-4C Triton Completes First Flight in Multi-Intelligence Configuration

Milestone demonstrates significant progress toward initial operating capability (Photo credit: U.S. Navy)

aircraft inflight against blue sky

Northrop Grumman Maritime Autonomous System Surpasses 40,000 Flight Hours

BAMS-D deployments provide time-sensitive intelligence to US combatant commanders

Triton aircraft flying above clouds

Northrop Grumman Initiates Build of First Australian Triton

Triton aircraft on airport runway

MQ-4C Triton Deployed, Quickly Became an ‘Invaluable Asset’

Pictue of MQ-4C Triton in the sky

Australia Commits to One Additional Triton

Triton aircraft in hanger

Triton Arrives in Pacific Region for First Deployment

MQ-4C Triton on the runway

Australia to Purchase Second Triton Aircraft

Triton in a aircraft hanger

Naval Base Ventura County, Point Mugu Celebrates Commencement of Triton Flight Operations

Triton Media Contact

Melissa Cangelosi

(858) 618-7630