NATO signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) to acquire Northrop Grumman’s MQ-4C Triton aircraft. The announcement occurred at the NATO Summit Defense Industry Forum in Turkey. This acquisition aims to expand the alliance’s Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities.
Four member nations signed the agreement to enhance maritime security and situational awareness. Northrop Grumman will build the aircraft in collaboration with the U.S. Navy and transatlantic industrial partners. These partners will supply components for the ground station and supporting infrastructure.
The MQ-4C Triton will complement NATO’s existing fleet of Northrop Grumman RQ-4D Phoenix aircraft. The alliance currently operates the Phoenix, a Global Hawk variant, from a base in Italy.