U.S. to Support Australia’s Abrams Tanks, MQ-4C Triton UAV Tests

Australia’s fleet of Abrams tanks and MQ-4C Triton drones will be supported by U.S.-based manufacturers - General Dynamics and Northrop Grumman.

On Wednesday, the U.S. Department of Defense announced a $13.74 million contract to General Dynamics Land Systems for Abrams systems and technical support. Work will be performed in Sterling Heights, Michigan, with an estimated completion date of September 30, 2022.

Australia replaced its old Leopard tanks with a small fleet of M1A1 Abrams tanks in 2007, which are now the Army's only tanks.

Northrop won $15.83 million to provide non-destructive test and inspection support equipment and associated non-recurring engineering in support of the MQ-4C Triton unmanned production aircraft for the Navy and the government of Australia. Work is expected to be completed in September 2024.

In June 2018, the Australian Government planned purchase the first of six MQ-4C Triton via a cooperative programme with the US Navy as part of a $1.4bn investment intended to strengthen Australia’s maritime capabilities. Seven Tritons will be based at RAAF Base Edinburgh and will operate alongside the P-8A Poseidon to replace the AP-3C Orions. Australia’s first MQ-4C will be delivered in 2023.