Printed from https://fiscalreceipts.com/program/0305421N/ — built September 26, 2026. Every figure is citation-backed; see the page online for per-number provenance.
MQ-4C Triton Modernization
Budget figures
FY2026 award data is a partial year — USAspending reports awards on a rolling basis, and this corpus runs through 2026-09-04. why partial FY2026 data? →
Budget trajectory
| Fiscal year | Amount |
|---|---|
| FY24 | $218.0M |
| FY25 | $444.0M |
| FY26 | $361.9M |
All series figures: R-1 TOA · PB2026
Decade view
P-1/R-1 workbook TOA basis, shown compact in $B/$M (the workbook records USD thousands); each figure cites its own President's Budget edition
The vertical scale does not start at zero: the baseline sits just below this program’s smallest year, so a low point on this line is not a small amount. Read the shape for direction and the grid below for the figures.
● actuals (line) · ○ enacted · ◇ request — gaps are editions the program is absent from, never interpolated.
| Series | FY15 | FY16 | FY17 | FY18 | FY19 | FY20 | FY21 | FY22 | FY23 | FY24 | FY25 | FY26 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Actuals | $30.0M | $119.9M | $144.5M | $224.2M | $218.4M | $195.4M | $129.2M | $134.3M | $150.1M | $218.0M | ||
| Enacted | $129.9M | $181.3M | $229.4M | $219.4M | $185.4M | $129.2M | $134.3M | $150.1M | $300.4M | $444.0M | ||
| Request | $181.3M | $229.4M | $219.9M | $202.3M | $178.8M | $134.3M | $163.3M | $300.4M | $444.0M | $361.9M |
blank = series not published for this year; – = absent from that edition.
Asked vs spent: the PB2024 book requested $300.4M for FY2024; the PB2026 book reported $218.0M as actual total obligation authority — $82.4M below the request. 218.0 − 300.4 = -82.4 USD millions — the compact figures above are rounded for reading.
Program lineage
No predecessor/successor lineage was recorded for this program element — no FY-to-FY transfer into or out of this line was stated in the ingested J-books, and none was inferred from the program structure.
Description
Mission — RQ-4 Modernization
MISSION: Project Unit 2939: The MQ-4C Triton Unmanned Air System (UAS) is a high altitude-long endurance UAS designed to provide Fleet and combatant commanders with persistent maritime Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance & Targeting (ISR&T) of nearly all the world's high-density sea-lanes, littorals, and areas of national interest. The Triton air vehicle, mission control system, specialized sensors, and communications suite play a significant role in achieving the Navy's strategic vision for the 21st century. Triton provides persistent ISR&T and unparalleled situational awareness of the maritime battle space to the supported combatant commander and fleet commander. Triton provides the Warfighter with unprecedented levels of battlespace awareness to synchronize actions necessary to maintain maritime full spectrum superiority. Teamed with its manned-capability counterpart, the P-8A Poseidon, Triton is a key component of the Navy's maritime domain awareness family of systems. MQ-4C Triton leverages Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Force manpower, training and maintenance efficiencies. Triton Early Operational Capability (EOC) was deployed in 2020 to provide early fleet integration risk reduction. It successfully prepared the fleet for fielding Initial Operational Capability (IOC) and concluded in 2022. In July 2023, Triton fielded the Increment 1 Multi-Intelligence (Multi-INT) IOC on schedule, successfully meeting the 2011 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) requirements. This enabled the Navy's Maritime Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance and Targeting (MISR-T) transition plan and initiated EP-3 Aries sundown. The Increment 1 Multi-INT capability provides Signals Intelligence (SIGINT), Counter Electronic Attack (CEA) upgrades, and data dissemination across multiple classification domains. Triton initiated Increment 2 development in FY 2023. Increment 2 will provide advanced radar modes inclusive of Ground Moving Target Indicator (GMTI), enhanced Electro-Optic/Infrared (EO/IR) detection in support of Geographic Intelligence (GEOINT) for increased maritime domain awareness, High Gain Aperture (HGA) for improved SIGINT, communications, navigation, and networks resiliency in denied environments, Multi-UA Command and Control (C2) for increase on station time, and Sense and Avoid (SAA) traffic and weather capability for increased mission availability and airspace integration. Increment 2 development is also addressing required Diminishing Manufacturing Source (DMS) and cyber security updates. Triton continues to provide near worldwide coverage through a network of orbits across the globe, with sufficient air vehicles to remain airborne for 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, out to ranges of 2,000 nautical miles. Onboard sensors provide detection, classification, tracking and identification of maritime targets and include maritime radar, electro-optical/infra-red and SIGINT/systems. Additionally, the Triton communications relay capability links dispersed forces in the theater of operations and allows Triton to serve as a node in the Navy's networked strategy. Tactical-level data analysis occurs in real-time at shore-based mission control sites connected to the air vehicle via satellite communications. Further intelligence exploitation can be conducted at Fleet shore-based sites or aboard aircraft carriers and other ships. JUSTIFICATION FOR BUDGET ACTIVITY: The FY 2026 funding is provided for the incorporation of incremental capability upgrades improving mission effectiveness, execution, and survivability through incorporation of advanced radar modes inclusive of Ground Moving Target Indicator (GMTI), enhanced Electro-Optic/Infrared (EO/IR) detection in support of Geographic Intelligence (GEOINT) for increased maritime domain awareness, High Gain Aperture (HGA) for improved SIGINT, communications, navigation, and networks resiliency in denied environments, Multi-UA Command and Control (C2) for increase on station time, and Sense and Avoid (SAA) traffic and weather capability for increased mission availability and airspace integration. The FY26 budget also addresses required Diminishing Manufacturing Source (DMS) and cyber security updates. This program is funded under OPERATIONAL SYSTEMS DEVELOPMENT because it includes development efforts to upgrade systems that have been fielded or have received approval for full rate production and anticipate funding in the current or subsequent fiscal year. Project Unit 3329: The details of program element 0305421N Project 3329 are classified and are submitted to Congress in the classified budget justification books.
Mission — RQ-4 Modernization
Project Unit 2939: The MQ-4C Triton Unmanned Air System (UAS) is a high altitude-long endurance UAS designed to provide Fleet and combatant commanders with persistent maritime Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance & Targeting (ISR&T) of nearly all the world's high-density sea-lanes, littorals, and areas of national interest. The Triton air vehicle, mission control system, specialized sensors, and communications suite play a significant role in achieving the Navy's strategic vision for the 21st century. Triton provides persistent ISR&T and unparalleled situational awareness of the maritime battle space to the supported combatant commander and fleet commander. Triton provides the Warfighter with unprecedented levels of battlespace awareness to synchronize actions necessary to maintain maritime full spectrum superiority. Teamed with its manned-capability counterpart, the P-8A Poseidon, Triton is a key component of the Navy's maritime domain awareness family of systems. MQ-4C Triton leverages Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Force manpower, training and maintenance efficiencies. Triton Early Operational Capability (EOC) was deployed in 2020 to provide early fleet integration risk reduction. It successfully prepared the fleet for fielding Initial Operational Capability (IOC) and concluded in 2022. In July 2023, Triton fielded the Increment 1 Multi-Intelligence (Multi-INT) IOC on schedule, successfully meeting the 2011 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) requirements. This enabled the Navy's Maritime Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance and Targeting (MISR-T) transition plan and initiated EP-3 Aries sundown. The Increment 1 Multi-INT capability provides Signals Intelligence (SIGINT), Counter Electronic Attack (CEA) upgrades, and data dissemination across multiple classification domains. Triton initiated Increment 2 development in FY 2023. Increment 2 will provide advanced radar modes inclusive of Ground Moving Target Indicator (GMTI), enhanced Electro-Optic/Infrared (EO/IR) detection in support of Geographic Intelligence (GEOINT) for increased maritime domain awareness, High Gain Aperture (HGA) for improved SIGINT, communications, navigation, and networks resiliency in denied environments, Multi-UA Command and Control (C2) for increase on station time, and Sense and Avoid (SAA) traffic and weather capability for increased mission availability and airspace integration. Increment 2 development is also addressing required Diminishing Manufacturing Source (DMS) and cyber security updates. Triton continues to provide near worldwide coverage through a network of orbits across the globe, with sufficient air vehicles to remain airborne for 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, out to ranges of 2,000 nautical miles. Onboard sensors provide detection, classification, tracking and identification of maritime targets and include maritime radar, electro-optical/infra-red and SIGINT/systems. Additionally, the Triton communications relay capability links dispersed forces in the theater of operations and allows Triton to serve as a node in the Navy's networked strategy. Tactical-level data analysis occurs in real-time at shore-based mission control sites connected to the air vehicle via satellite communications. Further intelligence exploitation can be conducted at Fleet shore-based sites or aboard aircraft carriers and other ships.
Mission — ISR&T Sensor Payloads
The details of program element 0305421N Project 3329 are classified and are submitted to Congress in the classified budget justification books.
Justification
Accomplishments & Planned Programs (4)
Product Development
MQ-4C Triton Unmanned Air System (UAS) modernization effort for incorporation of incremental capability upgrades. The prime contractor is responsible for integration of upgrades into the Triton UAS including associated management, engineering and logistics activities. Capability upgrades will also include development of system payloads directly with original equipment manufacturers.
ILS, Support, Studies & Analysis
Integrated Logistics Support, Studies and Analysis.
Test & Evaluation (T&E)
T&E efforts.
Program Management (PM)
PM support and travel.
Budget line items(workbook-cited)
P-1/R-1 workbook Total Obligation Authority basis (USD thousands) · PB2026.
Exhibit R-1
| Account | Org | Type | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Research, Development, Test and Evaluation, Navy | N | FY24 Actuals | $218.0M |
| Research, Development, Test and Evaluation, Navy | N | FY25 Enacted | $444.0M |
| Research, Development, Test and Evaluation, Navy | N | FY25 Total | $444.0M |
| Research, Development, Test and Evaluation, Navy | N | FY26 Disc. Request | $361.9M |
| Research, Development, Test and Evaluation, Navy | N | FY26 Total | $361.9M |
Budget Details(R-2/P-40 facts)
J-book detail basis (R-2/P-40, USD millions) · PB2026 — a different accounting basis from the P-1/R-1 workbook TOA above; where the two disagree, the reconciliation strip under Budget figures shows both.
Wider than this screen — swipe the table sideways for the remaining fiscal-year columns.
| Project | All Prior Years | FY24 Actuals | FY25 Total | FY26 Base | FY26 Request |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Program Element | $1.35B | $218.0M | $444.0M | $361.9M | $361.9M |
| 2939: RQ-4 Modernization | $1.35B | $218.0M | $428.4M | $350.1M | $350.1M |
| 3329: ISR&T Sensor Payloads | $0 | $0 | $15.7M | $11.8M | $11.8M |
Follow the dollar
No follow-the-dollar view — this program's awards haven't been crosswalked at high confidence (flows cover 312 of 1,938 programs). why coverage is partial? →
Related awards
Award linkage is shown for 32 of 200 profiled companies — high- and medium-confidence USAspending matches, each row labeled; medium is the weaker evidence. why partial award coverage? →
Rows marked medium rest on evidence weaker than a program-level match, and of more than one kind. An account-based row, where the award drew from the same appropriation account as this program, is an association, not evidence that this program paid for the contract. Where the evidence is instead an FPDS acquisition-program tag or a subaward description, the program is established but which of its budget lines paid is not. An announcement link a recorded review did not leave standing is medium too. Only high rows rest on the contract naming this program with a recorded review upholding it and no recorded rejection or refutation applying.
| Recipient | PIID | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| L3 TECHNOLOGIES, INC. | N0042120F1044 | medium |
| NORTHROP GRUMMAN SYSTEMS CORPORATION | N0001908C0023 | medium |
| NORTHROP GRUMMAN SYSTEMS CORPORATION | N0001919F0272 | medium |
Contractor concentration
No concentration index is published for this line. This line's high-confidence links do not clear the floor for a published concentration index — at least 3 awards across 2 contractor families holding positive obligations, with positive net linked dollars. An index below that floor is a fact about the sample, not about the market. Whatever further links this line carries are medium-confidence, and what each medium evidence path does and does not establish is set out in the methodology. Both bases are in the downloadable warehouse.
Lobbying mentions
No Senate LDA lobbying filing in the tracked data mentions this program element by code or alias.
Oversight
GAO oversight of this program
GAO assessed MQ-4C Triton Unmanned Aircraft System (MQ-4C Triton) in its June 2025 Weapon Systems Annual Assessment, as a Navy MDAP program.
“The Navy plans for MQ-4C Triton to provide intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and data collection and dissemination. Each system includes an air vehicle, communications suites, and mission payload, among other components. Two aircraft configurations—Integrated Functional Capabilities (IFC)-3 and IFC-4—make up Increment 1. The Navy is retrofitting the IFC-3 aircraft into the IFC-4 configuration, which adds signals intelligence. It plans to add multiple subsystems to the aircraft in a second increment to enhance effectiveness and survivability. We assessed both increments.”
GAO-25-107569, p. 139 — the assessment page in GAO’s 2025 report
Earlier editions of the same assessment: June 2024 · June 2023
GAO assessed MQ-4C Triton Unmanned Aircraft System (MQ-4C Triton) in its June 2024 Weapon Systems Annual Assessment, as a Navy MDAP program.
“The Navy plans for MQ-4C to replace the EP-3E Aries aircraft and provide intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, as well as data collection and dissemination. Each system includes an air vehicle, communications suites, and mission payload, among other components. In 2021, the Navy restructured the program into two increments. The first increment consists of two aircraft configurations—Integrated Functional Capabilities (IFC)-3 and IFC-4, which adds signals intelligence. The Navy is retrofitting the IFC-3 aircraft to the IFC-4 configuration. It plans to further upgrade IFC-4 capabilities in a second increment. We assessed the first increment.”
GAO-24-106831, p. 141 — the assessment page in GAO’s 2024 report
GAO assessed MQ-4C Triton Unmanned Aircraft System (MQ-4C Triton) in its June 2023 Weapon Systems Annual Assessment, as a Navy MDAP program.
“The Navy plans for its MQ-4C uncrewed aircraft system to replace EP-3 aircraft and provide intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance as well as data collection and dissemination. Each system includes an air vehicle, communications suites, and mission payload, among other components. The baseline Triton, Integrated Functional Capabilities (IFC)-3, consists of two early operational capability assets. The second version, IFC-4 with signals intelligence, is in development. The Navy plans to develop IFC-4 in progressively capable increments.”
GAO-23-106059, p. 153 — the assessment page in GAO’s 2023 report
GAO assessed the program, not this budget line. MQ-4C Triton Modernization is one of the lines that funds it, and GAO’s work above says nothing about this line’s own figures. Which line each GAO item attaches to is a hand-ratified crosswalk — how it was checked.
Department-level designation (not specific to this program)
GAO lists 5 high-risk areas for DOD as a whole. That designation covers the department, not MQ-4C Triton Modernization. GAO's program-level work on this line is above. See the DOD oversight record.
Program dossier
No research dossier for this program — dossiers cover 50 of 1,938 programs, the largest fully J-book-detailed lines by FY2026 requested dollars. why no dossier here? →
Primary sources
Open any budget figure for its exact receipt. Verified line items lead with the highlighted government PDF; original spreadsheets download with their budget edition and exhibit in the filename.
Budget totals · TOA sources
FY2026 Department of Defense Budget: RDT&E Programs (R-1) · comptroller.war.gov
Exhibit R-1 · J492
Complete workbook · unchanged saved copy. Saves as PB2026_DoD_R-1_Research-Development-Test-Evaluation.xlsx.
FY2017 Department of Defense Budget: RDT&E Programs (R-1) · comptroller.war.gov
Exhibit R-1 · J446
Complete workbook · unchanged saved copy. Saves as PB2017_DoD_R-1_Research-Development-Test-Evaluation.xlsx.
FY2018 Department of Defense Budget: RDT&E Programs (R-1) · comptroller.war.gov
Exhibit R-1 · J478
Complete workbook · unchanged saved copy. Saves as PB2018_DoD_R-1_Research-Development-Test-Evaluation.xlsx.
FY2019 Department of Defense Budget: RDT&E Programs (R-1) · comptroller.war.gov
Exhibit R-1 · J495
Complete workbook · unchanged saved copy. Saves as PB2019_DoD_R-1_Research-Development-Test-Evaluation.xlsx.
FY2020 Department of Defense Budget: RDT&E Programs (R-1) · comptroller.war.gov
Exhibit R-1 · J505
Complete workbook · unchanged saved copy. Saves as PB2020_DoD_R-1_Research-Development-Test-Evaluation.xlsx.
FY2021 Department of Defense Budget: RDT&E Programs (R-1) · comptroller.war.gov
Exhibit R-1 · J515
Complete workbook · unchanged saved copy. Saves as PB2021_DoD_R-1_Research-Development-Test-Evaluation.xlsx.
FY2022 Department of Defense Budget: RDT&E Programs (R-1) · comptroller.war.gov
Exhibit R-1 · J481
Complete workbook · unchanged saved copy. Saves as PB2022_DoD_R-1_Research-Development-Test-Evaluation.xlsx.
FY2023 Department of Defense Budget: RDT&E Programs (R-1) · comptroller.war.gov
Exhibit R-1 · J474
Complete workbook · unchanged saved copy. Saves as PB2023_DoD_R-1_Research-Development-Test-Evaluation.xlsx.
FY2024 Department of Defense Budget: RDT&E Programs (R-1) · comptroller.war.gov
Exhibit R-1 · J466
Complete workbook · unchanged saved copy. Saves as PB2024_DoD_R-1_Research-Development-Test-Evaluation.xlsx.
FY2025 Department of Defense Budget: RDT&E Programs (R-1) · comptroller.war.gov
Exhibit R-1 · J474
Complete workbook · unchanged saved copy. Saves as PB2025_DoD_R-1_Research-Development-Test-Evaluation.xlsx.
Detailed budget justification
The related TOA spreadsheets above use a different accounting basis from R-2/P-40 detail. Their amounts are not assumed to match these detailed sources.
RDTEN BA1-3 Book · www.secnav.navy.mil