Northrop Grumman Australia has signed a contract with L3Harris Corporation (L3HCA) for the operation and maintenance of command-and-control systems aboard Australia’s MQ-4C Triton multi-intelligence uncrewed aircraft fleet.
As prime systems integrator on Triton, Northrop Grumman has collaborated with several suppliers to integrate and maintain key systems and technologies on the platform to provide the capabilities required by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF).
“L3Harris will support Triton’s wideband C3 functionality as we work collectively to deliver next-generation technology solutions that will help keep Australia safe,” said Christine Zeitz, chief executive and general manager, Australia & New Zealand, Northrop Grumman.
The Interim Sustainment Support Contract covers maintenance of the Triton’s Wideband Command, Control and Communications (C3) Subsystem, which was developed by L3HCA.
Starting this month, L3HCA will provide seven communications technicians and field service representatives to work with the Northrop Grumman team.
“L3Harris is delighted to be working with Northrop Grumman Australia to deliver this critical capability to the Commonwealth," said Andrew Rushbrook, managing director, L3Harris Communications Australia, and regional vice president, L3Harris Tactical Communications.
"Our wideband C3 solution for Australia’s MQ-4C Triton will help establish a world-class sovereign capability.”
Northrop Grumman successfully completed the first flight of Australia’s MQ-4C Triton uncrewed aircraft at its Palmdale facility in California in November 2023, marking a major production milestone towards delivery of Australia’s first Triton in 2024. The company stated that all four Australian Tritons currently under contract are progressing as planned through their production schedules.
Australia is part of the Triton cooperative program, in which US and Australian defence forces will share data collected by their respective Tritons.