MQ-4C Triton Unmanned Aircraft System
Major Defense Acquisition Program (MDAP)
Program facts
- Program number
- 373
- Short name
- MQ-4C Triton
- Acquisition pathway
- Major Capability Acquisition (MCA)
- Acquisition category
- ACAT IC
- Acquisition status
- Active
- Lead component
-
Department of the Navy
Department of Defense
- Contract awards
- 145
- Contract obligations
- $8,404,469,918 Since fiscal year 2004
Program details come from the Department of Defense's acquisition program list. Contract figures come from SAM.gov (formerly FPDS).
Contract obligations by fiscal year
| Fiscal year | Obligated |
|---|---|
| FY2026 | $260,423,691 |
| FY2025 | $589,081,831 |
| FY2024 | $789,560,958 |
| FY2023 | $358,324,583 |
| FY2022 | $547,488,914 |
| FY2021 | $344,904,865 |
| FY2020 | $645,188,293 |
| FY2019 | $256,482,298 |
| FY2018 | $558,468,765 |
| FY2017 | $589,814,324 |
Top contractors by obligations
| Rank | Contractor | Obligated | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation | $7,446,078,486 | |
| 2 | Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation | $887,454,871 | |
| 3 | Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation | $21,293,961 | |
| 4 | L3 Technologies, Inc. | $12,999,854 | |
| 5 | Hornet Acquisitionco, LLC | $5,609,263 | |
| 6 | Lockheed Martin Corp | $3,998,310 | |
| 7 | Hydraulics International, Inc. | $2,541,278 | |
| 8 | Curtiss-Wright DS, Inc. | $2,368,349 | |
| 9 | Wright & Wright Machinery Co., Inc. | $2,315,353 | |
| 10 | Ceradyne, Inc. | $1,593,911 |
10 of 52 contractors listed here. See the rest on GovTribe.
Contract awards
Show 40 more
Latest 50 of 145 listed here. See the rest on GovTribe.
About this program
The MQ-4C Triton Unmanned Aircraft System is a Major Defense Acquisition Program (MDAP) managed by the U.S. Navy through the Major Capability Acquisition (MCA) pathway. The program develops and procures high-altitude, long-endurance unmanned aircraft systems designed for maritime patrol, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions. The Triton program includes both aircraft production and the development of associated ground systems, mission control systems, and support equipment. The program's scope encompasses initial development, low-rate initial production, sustainment engineering, and ongoing system improvements.
Contract awards associated with the program range from small purchase orders for specialized components (less than $100,000) to major production contracts exceeding $1.5 billion, with performance periods typically spanning 1-5 years. Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation serves as the primary prime contractor, particularly for aircraft production and systems integration, while other significant prime contractors include L3 Technologies, Raytheon, and Curtiss-Wright Defense Solutions. Common subcontractors include Collins Aerospace, Honeywell, and various specialized electronics and components manufacturers. The Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) and Naval Air Warfare Center are the primary funding agencies, with most work performed in San Diego, California. While the majority of contracts have no set-aside designation, there are occasional small business set-asides for specialized equipment and services. Contract types include both firm-fixed-price and cost-plus-fixed-fee arrangements, with the latter typically used for engineering and development efforts.
Quick answers
What is MQ-4C Triton?
MQ-4C Triton Unmanned Aircraft System is a Major Defense Acquisition Program (MDAP) led by the Department of the Navy. It follows the Major Capability Acquisition (MCA) pathway and is ACAT IC. Its acquisition status is active.
How much has MQ-4C Triton obligated on contracts?
145 contract awards are coded to MQ-4C Triton, and their actions have obligated $8,404,469,918 since fiscal year 2004.
Who are the top contractors on MQ-4C Triton?
The contractors obligated the most on MQ-4C Triton contracts are Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation ($8,354,827,318 across 3 registrations), L3 Technologies, Inc. ($12,999,854) and Hornet Acquisitionco, LLC ($5,609,263).
How much did MQ-4C Triton obligate in fiscal year 2025?
Contracts coded to MQ-4C Triton obligated $589,081,831 in fiscal year 2025.
What is the latest contract award for MQ-4C Triton?
The latest contract award coded to MQ-4C Triton is N0001926F1093, awarded to Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation on June 23, 2026.
On GovTribe
See this program's full record
- Every contract award coded to this program
- Funding analysis by contractor, agency, place of performance and set-aside
- Alerts for new awards
- Ask GovTribe AI about this program