This could become Norway's new big marine drone

News

Northrop Grumman confirms that Norway is in talks for the MQ-4C Triton drone.

– I think it would be wise for Norway to choose Triton as a solution for marine area awareness, especially in the northern regions. It can serve as a watchful eye in this strategically important region.

Jane Bishop, director of global surveillance at Northrop Grumman, told the Defense Forum in a press conference on Thursday last week.

Representatives from the Ministry of Defense, Kongsberg Gruppen, Nammo, others from the defense sector and the media were then invited by Northrop Grumman to attend the opening at the Oslo Military Assembly.

Conversations

Northrop Grumman invited mingling and opening speeches, and snacks and drinks were served.

The MQ-4C Triton is used with the Poseidon P-8 surveillance aircraft in the US and Australian Navy. Norway has ordered five Poseidon P-8 aircraft. They are scheduled to be fully operational in 2025.

Bishop says the US Navy is the one speaking with Norwegian authorities on behalf of Northrop Grumman, but confirms talks are taking place.

– I can't say specifically with whom the US Navy spoke to the Norwegian authorities. But I can share that there have been discussions and we look forward to what is to come in the next Norwegian long-term plan,” Bishop answered questions from Weekly Technology During the press conference.

She adds that she cannot say anything about whether this is included in the long-term plan for the defense sector, which will be presented on April 5.

Allied cooperation

Northrop Grumman President Cathy Warden, Minister of State Annemarie Anerud (SP) at the Department of Defense, CEO Eric Lee at Kongsberg Defense and Space, and former NATO Commander for Europe General Todd Wolters spoke about setting security policy.

They spoke warmly about international cooperation in the field of defense policy with allies during the session.

Drones were mentioned as an area of ​​focus in both the Defense Committee report and the Military Professional Council.

The professional military advice given by the Chief of Defense last year stated, among other things:

“The Chief of Defense recommends pursuing and contributing to the development of unmanned systems in the maritime domain and considering the introduction of new systems as the technology matures and becomes available. Future ships, such as the proposed standard ships

Northrop Grumman is the world's third-largest defense manufacturer, with 100,000 employees, and supplies nearly 30 percent of the F-35s, as well as two satellites ordered by Space Norway to provide broadband coverage in the Arctic.