MQ-4 Series

MQ-4 Series is the Navy's aircraft-modification budget line for the MQ-4C Triton unmanned aircraft system (UAS). It falls under Aircraft Procurement, Navy, Budget Activity 05 and Budget Sub Activity 1, both designated for Modification of Aircraft. Triton provides Fleet and Combatant Commanders persistent maritime intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) over sea-lanes, littorals and other areas of national interest. Its air vehicle, mission-control system, sensors and communications suite complement the manned P-8A within the Navy's maritime-domain-awareness family of systems.

Triton aircraft can remain on station for more than 20 hours, using maritime radar, electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensors and signals intelligence (SIGINT) systems to detect, classify, track and identify targets. Satellite links connect aircraft to shore-based mission-control sites for real-time tactical analysis; further exploitation can occur at Fleet sites or aboard ships. Triton can also relay communications among dispersed forces and provide early "trip wire" information for intelligence preparation. After achieving Initial Operational Capability in July 2023, the program continued developing capabilities supporting the Navy's Maritime Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance and Targeting (MISR&T) transition plan and the planned EP-3 sundown. As of March 2026, its inventory comprised 20 aircraft in IFC-3 and IFC-4 configurations.

MQ-4C Triton Upgrades (OSIP 009-18) converts baseline aircraft and Main and Forward Operating Bases (MOBs/FOBs), including a stand-alone training MOB, toward the required IFC-4 configuration. Aircraft retrofits add SIGINT equipment, a high-gain Common Data Link antenna, a Keyed Broad Area Maritime Surveillance Airborne Recorder (K-BAR), a new mission processor, secure networking and voice communications, a Cross Domain Solution, improved GPS and electromagnetic-interference mitigation. The FY 2027 request procures one aircraft retrofit kit and funds installation of one kit, alongside government and contractor modification, calibration, testing and acceptance support.

OSIP 009-18 also carries Increment 2 payload and training-system upgrades. These address the Multi-Function Active Sensor (MFAS) radar, EO/IR, Automatic Information Systems, SIGINT, high- and low-band payloads, Remote Quick Look (RQL) and other mission equipment, with replacement assemblies intended to keep pace with technology insertion. Delivered aircrew and maintainer trainers and courseware must reflect aircraft hardware, software and payload changes rather than become obsolete. The FY 2027 budget consolidates Increment 2 kits, installations and support previously assigned to OSIP 003-26 under this upgrades line; its EO/IR installation planning accounts for extensive aircraft wiring and turret mounting.

MQ-4C Triton Platform Systems Correction of Deficiencies and Modernization (OSIP 003-23) addresses aircraft safety, performance, readiness and obsolescence through engineering change proposals (ECPs). Work spans airframes, engines and avionics, including aileron hinge fittings, FAA-mandated ADS-B Out, cyber and cryptographic improvements, and Link 16 enhancements through MIDS JTRS Block Upgrade 3. Its Group 3 Multi-ECP Bundle includes corrections to fire-zone wiring, power components, an INMARSAT antenna, wing hardware and quick-disconnect reliability. FY 2027 activities also support Triton Airborne Recorder installation, trainer retrofits and engineering changes delivered through government-led biannual software releases.

MQ-4C Triton Ground Segment Technology Improvements (OSIP 004-23) focuses separately on MOBs, FOBs, RQL systems and their training environment. Its changes address communications, networks, interoperability, cybersecurity and diminishing manufacturing sources and material shortages (DMSMS); the ground-focused Group 3 bundle includes hardware, video-card, router and transmitter/receiver replacements. FY 2027 funds installation of previously procured recorder kits in FOB mission-control stations and ground-segment ECPs. This OSIP begins transitioning into OSIP 003-23 in FY 2027, with full consolidation planned for FY 2028.

MQ-4C Triton Payloads Mission Systems Improvements and Technology Insertion (OSIP 003-26) originated to improve MFAS radar, EO/IR, Automatic Information Systems and SIGINT payloads while preserving reliability and information assurance. Its earlier Group 3 changes covered an RSP power-supply fan alteration and MFAS amplifier power-cycle improvement. It has no separate FY 2027 request because its continuing Increment 2 kit, training and support activities are consolidated primarily into OSIP 009-18. Across the budget line, the FY 2027 reduction from FY 2026 reflects completed ground-station upgrades that aligned those stations with aircraft modifications; future ground changes remain planned for critical systems and software.