Printed from https://fiscalreceipts.com/program/0596/ — built September 26, 2026. Every figure is citation-backed; see the page online for per-number provenance.
MQ-4 Series
Watch this program
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 | $67.3M |
| FY25 | $80.0M |
| FY26 | $180.5M |
All series figures: P-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 | FY22 | FY23 | FY24 | FY25 | FY26 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Actuals | $7.05M | $91.9M | $67.3M | ||
| Enacted | – | $92.0M | $94.0M | $80.0M | |
| Request | – | – | $94.0M | $122.0M | $180.5M |
blank = series not published for this year; – = absent from that edition.
Asked vs spent: the PB2024 book requested $94.0M for FY2024; the PB2026 book reported $67.3M as actual total obligation authority — $26.7M below the request. 67.3 − 94.0 = -26.7 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
Description — MQ-4 Series
The MQ-4C Triton is a high altitude-long endurance UAS designed to provide Fleet and combatant commanders with persistent maritime Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) of nearly all the world's high-density sea-lanes, littorals, and areas of national interest. The MQ-4C 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. The Triton system provides persistent ISR and unparalleled situational awareness of the maritime battle space to the supported combatant commander and fleet commander. The system also serves as a Fleet response plan enabler with a persistent, global force offering to provide critical trip wire information for intelligence preparation of the environment. 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, 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. MQ-4C Triton UAS program achieved Initial Operational Capability (IOC) in July 2023 and is currently developing incremental capabilities within the ongoing acquisition program to meet program requirements in support of the 2011 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) enabling EP-3 sundown and the Maritime Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance and Targeting (MISR&T) transition plan. As of June 2024, the current Triton Aircraft inventory is 17 aircraft in both IFC-3 and IFC-4 configurations. The full MQ-4C Triton sensor suite provides near worldwide coverage through a network of orbits inside and outside continental United States, with sufficient air vehicles exceeding 20 hours of persistence. Onboard sensors provide detection, classification, tracking and identification of maritime targets, and include maritime radar, electro-optical/infra-red and SIGINT systems. Additionally, the MQ-4C 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. The FY 2026 budget consists of four (4) OSIP's that focus on the modernization of the aircraft and ground segments from an IFC-3 to IFC-4 configuration; the incorporation of critical Engineering Change Proposals (ECPs) to correct and improve, mission systems and payloads required to ensure the platform maintains maritime dominance. NOTE: MQ-4C Triton aircraft and ground stations are required in the IFC 4 configuration to meet the Navy's Maritime Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance and Targeting (MISR&T) transition plan. Each IFC configuration incorporates various capabilities as outlined within this budget exhibit as well as the program's development budget associated with the following PE: 0305421N. The MQ-4C Training requirements identified within this budget fund training requirements that are essential to support Aircrew Trainers, Aircrew Course ware, Maintenance Trainers and Maintenance Course ware necessary to comply with training system mandates to ensure the system is concurrent with aircraft hardware, software, and system capabilities. Training requirements also prevent obsolescence of the various trainers throughout the service life of the platform to meet current fleet readiness and fleet training requirements. OSIP 009-18 MQ-4C Triton Upgrades - This OSIP funds modifications of the baseline (IFC-3) configuration to an IFC-4 configuration. MQ-4C Triton aircraft and ground stations in the Increment 1 configuration are integral to the Navy's ISR transition plan. OSIP 003-23 MQ-4C Triton Aircraft Systems Correction of Deficiencies and Modernization: This OSIP provides funding for MQ-4C Triton UAS modifications in order to modernize the system to improve safety and performance required to outpace technological threats. Also included are efforts to resolve readiness, obsolescence/Diminishing Manufacturing Sources and Material Shortages (DMSMS), correction of deficiencies incorporated by Engineering Change Proposals (ECPs), and changes required to mitigate emergent safety issues. Funding is provided for airframe modifications to support changes in Size, Weight, Power, Cooling (SWAP-C) requirements of aircraft and mission systems equipment. This OSIP also provides funds to correct deficiencies in the suite of MQ-4C Operator and Maintainer training devices and associated courseware through the implementation of ECPs into the post-production Operator and Maintainer training devices and courseware. Funds also support verification and assessment activities to evaluate the updated configurations for training effectiveness. OSIP 004-23 MQ-4C Triton Ground Segment Technology Improvements: This OSIP funds Correction of Production Deficiencies and Modernization to correct MQ-4C Ground Segment (Main Operating Base (MOB), Forward Operating Base (FOB), Remote Quick Look (RQL) and standalone Trainers) production deficiencies resulting from readiness, obsolescence, safety and Diminishing Manufacturing Sources and Material Shortages (DMSMS) issues and modifications required to outpace technological threats incorporated by ECPs. Funds also support modifications to the MQ-4C Operator and Maintainer Training System Support Environment for greater incorporation of technology insertion and decreased lag of GSEG Fleet release and training systems release. OSIP 003-26 MQ-4C Triton Payloads Mission Systems Improvements and Technology Insertion: This OSIP funds modifications to the MQ-4C Payloads Mission Systems to include, but not limited to, SIGINT systems, radar systems and EO/IR systems in order to outpace technological threats and maintain Triton Interoperability, proactively upgrade obsolescence issues (via DMSMS and ECPs) and deliver performance enhancements, as well as upgrades to labs and early production payload Weapon Replaceable Assemblies (WRAs) to keep pace with technology insertions. Funding also supports Increment 2 retrofits for the MQ-4C Operator Suite, Maintainer training devices, and related necessary courseware.
Justification
Justification — MQ-4 Series
FY 2026 funding request supports the procurement and installation of aircraft and ground segment retrofit kits. OSIP 009-18 funding request supports one (1) aircraft retrofit kit procurement. Additionally, the request supports the installation of one (1) aircraft retrofit kit, and the installation of one (1) Forward Operating Base (FOB) ground segment retrofit kit procured in FY 2025. The program initially planned to conduct the installation of both aircraft kits procured in FY 2024; however, due to the funding limitations in FY 2025, the program funding appropriated did not support the installation of both kits. FY 2025 funding limitations forced the rephasing of the second aircraft retrofit kit procured in FY 2024 to FY 2026. FY 2026 request supports the remaining OSIPs and continues to address: (1) Aircraft Platform Systems Correction of Production Deficiencies and Modernization, (2) Ground Segment Improvements and Modernization, and (3) Payloads Mission System Improvements and Technology Insertion. Increased levels of funding requested across the three active OSIPs from FY2025 to FY2026 to support critical retrofit activities to include Engineering Change Proposals (ECP), modifications to Training assets, and upgrades to address rapidly changing Fleet standards and obsolescence issues. This funding is critical to maintaining mission readiness and effectiveness of Triton aircraft and ground segments. ECPs address safety, reliability, maintainability, suitability degradation in aircraft systems and capability improvements that will be incorporated via government led biannual software releases. Furthermore, ECPs support modernization requirements for avionics and airframe components via DMSMS and engineering changes. Effort includes the correction of supportability and interoperability deficiencies, resolution of aircraft systems obsolescence, and weight savings initiatives through insertion of commercial and government off the shelf (COTS/GOTS) technology onto the MQ-4C. As training system production completes within the production line, the program is transitioning from production cut-in training modifications to retrofit modifications to delivered systems to ensure all training devices support the latest IFC-4 configuration available. The FY 2026 request was reduced by $4.798 million for Advisory and Assistance Services to promote efficiencies and advance the policies of the Administration in alignment with Executive Order 14222, "Implementing the President's Department of Government Efficiency Cost Efficiency Initiative." The FY 2026 request was reduced by $1.999 million for civilian personnel to optimize the workforce in compliance with Executive Order 14210, "Implementing the President's Department of Government Efficiency Workforce Optimization Initiative."
Budget line items(workbook-cited)
P-1/R-1 workbook Total Obligation Authority basis (USD thousands) · PB2026.
Exhibit P-1
| Account | Org | Type | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aircraft Procurement, Navy | N | FY24 Actuals | $67.3M |
| Aircraft Procurement, Navy | N | FY25 Enacted | $80.0M |
| Aircraft Procurement, Navy | N | FY26 Disc. Request | $180.5M |
| Aircraft Procurement, Navy | N | FY26 Total | $180.5M |
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 | $197.1M | $67.3M | $80.0M | $180.5M | $180.5M |
Follow the dollar
Appropriation → program element → top high-confidence awards → recipient families → congressional districts.
Follow-the-dollar covers 312 of 1,938 programs — only high-confidence budget→award links are shown. why coverage is partial? →
The diagram illustrates the cited table below — amounts shown in the diagram are transaction sums per award (no citation chips); the per-district obligations in the table cite USAspending queries.
| District | Program obligations |
|---|---|
| CA-50 | $667.9M |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| NORTHROP GRUMMAN SYSTEMS CORPORATION | N0001923F0041 | high |
| NORTHROP GRUMMAN SYSTEMS CORPORATION | N0001924C0005 | high |
| CURTISS-WRIGHT DS, INC. | SPRPA120CK003 | medium |
| L3 TECHNOLOGIES, INC. | SPRPA120FCL0R | medium |
| L3 TECHNOLOGIES, INC. | SPRPA120FCL0S | medium |
| NORTHROP GRUMMAN SYSTEMS CORPORATION | N0001915C0002 | medium |
| NORTHROP GRUMMAN SYSTEMS CORPORATION | N0001917C0018 | medium |
| NORTHROP GRUMMAN SYSTEMS CORPORATION | N0001917F1046 | medium |
| NORTHROP GRUMMAN SYSTEMS CORPORATION | N0001918C1028 | medium |
| NORTHROP GRUMMAN SYSTEMS CORPORATION | N0001918F2337 | medium |
| NORTHROP GRUMMAN SYSTEMS CORPORATION | N0001919C0008 | medium |
| NORTHROP GRUMMAN SYSTEMS CORPORATION | N0001919C1020 | medium |
| NORTHROP GRUMMAN SYSTEMS CORPORATION | N0001919F0272 | medium |
| NORTHROP GRUMMAN SYSTEMS CORPORATION | N0001920F0043 | medium |
| NORTHROP GRUMMAN SYSTEMS CORPORATION | N0001920F0865 | medium |
| TLD AMERICA CORPORATION | N6833520C0859 | 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
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-4 Series. No program-specific GAO finding for this line is in the ingested data. 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: Procurement Programs (P-1) · comptroller.war.gov
Exhibit P-1 · O385
Complete workbook · unchanged saved copy. Saves as PB2026_DoD_P-1_Procurement.xlsx.
FY2024 Department of Defense Budget: Procurement Programs (P-1) · comptroller.war.gov
Exhibit P-1 · O390
Complete workbook · unchanged saved copy. Saves as PB2024_DoD_P-1_Procurement.xlsx.
FY2025 Department of Defense Budget: Procurement Programs (P-1) · comptroller.war.gov
Exhibit P-1 · O390
Complete workbook · unchanged saved copy. Saves as PB2025_DoD_P-1_Procurement.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.