Northrop Grumman MQ-4C Triton

The Northrop Grumman MQ-4C Triton is a high-altitude, long-endurance uncrewed aerial vehicle flown by the United States Navy and the Royal Australian Air Force for maritime surveillance. It was developed under the Broad Area Maritime Surveillance program to give real-time intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance over wide ocean and coastal regions and to complement the Boeing P-8 Poseidon patrol aircraft. The Triton builds on the RQ-4 Global Hawk, with a reinforced airframe and wing, de-icing systems and lightning protection that let it descend through cloud to look more closely at ships. The first development aircraft was delivered in 2012, the type joined the Navy fleet in 2018 and reached initial operational capability in 2023, and Australia has ordered four, the first entering service in June 2024.