The MQ-4C Triton unmanned aircraft system approaches the runway at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Md., after completing its inaugural cross-country flight from California. The Navy will conduct Triton flight tests at Patuxent River in preparation for an operational deployment in 2017. (U.S. Navy photo by Kelly Schindler)
By Matthew Beinart |
@mbeinart22
6 years ago |
04/05/2018

The State Department has approved a possible $2.5 billion deal with Germany for Northrop Grumman’s [NOC] MQ-4C Triton unmanned aircraft systems (UAS).

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress of the potential foreign military sale on Wednesday.

The MQ-4C Triton unmanned aircraft system approaches the runway at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Md., after completing its inaugural cross-country flight from California. The Navy will conduct Triton flight tests at Patuxent River in preparation for an operational deployment in 2017. (U.S. Navy photo by Kelly Schindler)

Germany has requested to purchased four MQ-4C Triton UAS, which will be modified versions of the Navy’s Triton configuration.

“The proposed sale of the MQ-4C Triton will close a crucial capability gap and will enhance bilateral and NATO interoperability and will help ensure that Germany is able to continue to monitor and deter regional threats,” the DSCA said in the statement.

Under the deal, Germany would also receive one mission control station with a main operating base and forward operating base, as well as 10 Kearfott Inertial Navigation System/Global Position Systems.

“Germany is one of the major political and economic powers in Europe and NATO and a key partner of the United States in ensuring global peace and stability. The proposed sale of the MQ-4C Triton will support legitimate national security requirements and significantly enhance Germany’s intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities and the overall collective security of the European Union and NATO,” DSCA officials said in a statement.