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2mo ago

Australia Opens $355 Million Triton Drone Facilities at RAAF Base Tindal

The upgrade positions the base as a launch point for uncrewed, long‑endurance monitoring of northern sea lanes.

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The Triton drones are based in the Northern Territory, but flown remotely from South Australia. (HANDOUT/DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE)
The Triton military surveillance drone can fly 24-hour missions, beating out crewed aircraft. (HANDOUT/DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE)

Overview

  • Assistant Defence Minister Peter Khalil officially opened the $355.7 million Triton facilities at RAAF Base Tindal.
  • Four MQ-4C Tritons will be based there and operated remotely by No. 9 Squadron from RAAF Base Edinburgh in South Australia.
  • The unarmed aircraft deliver persistent maritime surveillance, flying for about 24 hours at speeds near 600 km/h.
  • The project added a purpose-built hangar, upgraded airfield pavements and supporting infrastructure, strengthening interoperability with the US Navy under the 2024 National Defence Strategy.
  • More than $166 million in contracts went to Northern Territory businesses, including $7.5 million to Indigenous subcontractors, as the government foreshadows Defence estate changes with the Port of Darwin lease under review.