Videmus Nec Videmur
See without Being Seen!
RAAF No.9 Squadron reforms officially accepting their first MQ-4C Triton.
Article: Jaryd Stock
Images: Northrop Grumman, RAAF
Among all the flying undertaken during Exercise Pitch Black 24 it was also a chance for the Australian Government and Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) to publicly unveil RAAF’s first Northrop Grumman MQ-4C Triton Remotely Piloted Aircraft System – ‘AUS 1’ – which was introduced into the Air Force fleet on July 31.
Unveiled at Royal Australian Air Force Base Tindal by Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles and RAAF Chief of Air Force Air Marshal Stephen Chappell during the last week of Exercise Pitch Black 24, the MQ-4C Triton is a high-altitude, long-endurance aircraft that will provide persistent surveillance across Australia’s maritime approaches.
The aircraft will complement the ADF’s crewed Boeing P-8A Poseidon fleet operated by No. 11 Squadron as a ‘family of systems’ to undertake enhanced intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance in support of Defence operations primarily in the top end of the Australian continent watching the northern maritime approaches to the north of the country.
“The Triton has been delivered following an incredible amount of work from both those in Defence, but also through our friends in the United States Navy, Department of Defense and our industry partners,” AIRMSHL Chappell said.
“Under the newly reformed No.9 Squadron, the MQ-4C Triton will play a pivotal role in securing Australia’s strategic areas of interest, including our maritime approaches.”
“Uncrewed aerial systems offer enormous potential to capitalise on the opportunities provided by modern payloads and increased endurance.”
U.S. Navy Captain Josh Guerre, USN Triton program manager stated: “The delivery of Australia’s first MQ-4C represents a significant step in a collaboration between the U.S. and Australia to drive the future of multi domain intelligence collection. The U.S. Navy is thrilled to collaborate with Australia to deliver this game changing intelligence capability into the 7th Fleet area of responsibility.”
Northrop Grumman successfully completed the first flight of Australia’s MQ-4C Triton at its Palmdale facility back in November 2023. The remaining three Australian Tritons currently under contract are progressing as planned through their production schedules but is not known when they will be delivered to RAAF.
The four MQ-4C Triton aircraft will be based at RAAF Base Tindal, Northern Territory, and operated by Air Force’s reformed No. 9 Squadron which holds the motto “Videmus Nec Videmur-See without being Seen” which is home based at RAAF Base Edinburgh, located outside of the City of Adelaide in South Australia.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence the Hon. Richard Marles MP and Chief of the Royal Australian Air Force, Air Marshal Stephen Chappell introduce the MQ-4C Triton aircraft into the Royal Australia Air Force fleet at RAAF Base Tindal, Northern Territory.- RAAF
Arrival of Royal Australian Air Force MQ-4C Triton Remotely Piloted Aircraft System at RAAF Base Tindal in the Northern Territory. -RAAF
Jaryd picked up a camera at a young age and has never looked back. He now combines photography and writing to highlight "Downunder" aviation; especially U.S. DoD units. Jaryd uses Nikon cameras and lenses.