Northrop Grumman‘s Australian business unit was officially launched at a ceremony held Tuesday night at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra.
“Our firm objective is to add to the national security of Australia in the region and that our contribution will provide an enduring capability for the country,” Ian Irving, CEO of Northrop Grumman Australia, said Wednesday.
Northrop Grumman Australia employs more than 400 employees and offers a range of ISR and cybersecurity technologies as well as aircraft maintenance and support services.
Australian Defense Minister David Johnston said the government plans to acquire MQ-4C Triton unmanned aerial systems from the company for maritime surveillance activities.
Johnston added the drones would operate from the Royal Australian Air Force base in Edinburgh, South Australia and be used alongside RAAF’s Boeing P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft.