MQ-4C Triton Modernization

Mission — ISR&T Sensor Payloads source

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 source

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 source

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.

Accomplishments & Planned Programs (4)