Royal Australian Air Force platforms achieve IOC

The Australian Department of Defence declared initial operational capability for the Royal Australian Air Force's Northrop Grumman MQ-4C Triton and L3Harris MC-55A Peregrine following operational testing and evaluation. Four Tritons operated by Number 9 Squadron from RAAF Bases Tindal and Edinburgh provide persistent intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and targeting coverage, interoperating with the P-8A Poseidon maritime-patrol fleet. Australia also completed its planned 14-aircraft P-8A fleet, including two jets upgraded to the Increment 3 Block 2 standard. Together, the milestones expand regional monitoring and support maritime patrol, anti-submarine warfare and anti-surface warfare missions.