The US Navy is sending two MQ-4C Triton unmanned aerial vehicles to Guam in the platform's first overseas deployment.
The aircraft bound for Guam are operated by the US Navy's Unmanned Patrol Squadron 19 (VUP 19), who posted photos ahead of the deployment to their Facebook page.
In 2018, US Navy representatives said the first two platforms deployed to Guam will contain capabilities for maritime ISR. They will use sensors and radar to cross-check tracked vessels with their automated identification systems and relay the information to naval stations in Florida and Washington, and to nearby P8-A Poseidon aircraft. A signals intelligence function is set to follow in 2021.
The deployment is the first of five that will eventually see US Navy Tritons operating from five bases worldwide.
The pair heading for Guam will be followed by two more aircraft after Triton reaches IOC in 2021, which will allow the US Navy to gain 24/7 coverage over the South China Sea.
The deployment raises the possibility that ADF Tritons could one day be deployed outside the Australian mainland to complement the US platforms in Guam. ADM has previously revealed, however, that Defence is unlikely to deploy Tritons to the Cocos/Keeling islands alongside P8-A Poseidons, as upgrades to that airport do not include constructing the shelters necessary to protect the fuel stored in the UAV's wings from the tropical sun.
“VUP-19’s deployment is a major milestone for the Triton program as we continue to develop and refine the Triton system to meet the US Navy and Australia’s joint requirements for the multi-intelligence configuration," Doug Shaffer, Northrop Grumman’s VP for Triton, said.
It remains unclear whether refurbishments at Manus Island include upgrades to support Tritons.