`The US Navy’s MQ-4C Triton unmanned reconnaissance aircraft patrolled the southeastern region of Taiwan on July 15. US UAVs are rarely detected in the East Sea`, the Maritime Strategic Situation Initiative organization

P-8A reconnaissance aircraft and KC-135R tankers also operated in the southwestern region of Taiwan on July 16.

An MQ-4C test flew in 2018. Photo: US Navy.

The activity took place in the context of Taiwan organizing the Han Quang exercise with a scenario to cope with an amphibious attack by mainland China.

`The deployment of maritime patrol aircraft such as the MQ-4C, P-8A and P-3C can help the US monitor surface ships, submarines and many of China’s undersea activities,` Song Zhongping, expert

MQ-4C Triton is a UAV for the US Navy, developed from the Air Force’s RQ-4 Global Hawk model.

Compared to the original RQ-4 series, the MQ-4C has a reinforced body frame, helping to withstand hail, bird and lightning strikes, and an anti-icing system on the wings.

The Triton system is responsible for providing real-time intelligence, reconnaissance and reconnaissance (ISR) data in large ocean and near-coastal areas, as well as participating in maritime patrol and search activities.

Flight path of the US MQ-4C on July 15.

Triton’s main sensor is the AN/ZPY-3 active electronically scanned array radar, capable of observing an area of 5,200 km2 in just one scan at an altitude of 17 km.

The aircraft is also equipped with a modular electronic support system (ESM) similar to the EP-3 spy plane, allowing remote detection and identification of radar signals, helping to determine the location of enemy forces.

In addition to reconnaissance missions, the MQ-4C can also act as a transfer station and data aggregator, allowing the connection of units located far apart on the battlefield, building a picture of the battlefield space, and distributing

The US Navy is the only force operating the MQ-4C series with 68 aircraft on order, of which two have been handed over and assigned to the 19th Unmanned Patrol Squadron.