NATO enhances surveillance with RQ-4D Phoenix, while U.S. Navy adds MQ-4C Triton for maritime capabilities.
Since February 2021, Northrop Grumman’s uncrewed RQ-4D Phoenix aircraft has delivered essential surveillance capabilities to NATO. This system utilizes Northrop Grumman’s expertise in autonomy. Consequently, it enhances the alliance’s ability to deter adversaries and address shared security challenges effectively.
Brigadier General Andrew Clark, NATO ISR Force (NISRF) commander, said, “In today’s complex environment, decision-ready, actionable intelligence provided at the speed of need is one of our greatest weapons. As the Alliance’s premier ISR unit, NISRF provides the foundation for informed decisions, allowing NATO to anticipate threats and react quickly. The RQ-4D Phoenix fleet is a critical component in our effort to deliver high-quality, decision-ready intelligence to the Alliance.”
While NATO continues to operate the RQ-4D, the U.S. Navy has commenced operations with Northrop Grumman’s uncrewed MQ-4C Triton in Europe. The MQ-4C Triton is deployed from the same base as the RQ-4D. This aircraft enhances Northrop Grumman’s expertise in autonomy and high-altitude, long-endurance (HALE) capabilities. Consequently, it offers exceptional maritime surveillance. Furthermore, Triton can collaborate with crewed platforms across domains through intelligent and timely data exchange, similar to the RQ-4D Phoenix.
Doug Shaffer, vice president, autonomous intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and targeting programs, Northrop Grumman, said, “The RQ-4D Phoenix is proving its unmatched ISR capability to help create NATO’s common operating picture. Future collaboration between NATO and the U.S. Navy, and the adoption of the MQ-4C Triton advanced maritime surveillance system, would bring unprecedented capabilities in ground and maritime surveillance for the alliance,”
Here is additional information about the RQ-4D Phoenix:
Proven Platform: NATO selected the RQ-4D Phoenix based on Northrop Grumman’s RQ-4B Global Hawk, operated by the U.S. Air Force. The Global Hawk, the first uncrewed HALE aircraft, has conducted critical missions since 2001.
Superior Capability: The RQ-4D Phoenix, a HALE platform, delivers unmatched ISR capabilities for NATO. It flies higher, farther, and longer than other unmanned platforms and features advanced sensors for a comprehensive ground situation overview.
Empowering Commanders: Based in Sigonella, Italy, NATO’s ISR Force operates five RQ-4Ds to provide crucial ISR data. This data supports in-theatre situational awareness and various missions, including troop protection, border control, maritime safety, terrorism countermeasures, crisis management, and humanitarian aid.
Collaborative Partnership: Northrop Grumman has collaborated with NATO to develop a 20-year technology roadmap for the ISR Force. This plan includes technological advancements and fleet expansion.
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High Demand: The RQ-4D’s capabilities are in high demand, with NATO increasing its missions. Notably, many flights in 2023 occurred over Eastern Europe.
Q. – What is the RQ-4D Phoenix used for?
A. – Essential surveillance capabilities for NATO.
Q. – Since when has the RQ-4D Phoenix been operational?
A. – February 2021.
