US Navy Boosts China Surveillance with Second MQ-4C Triton Deployment to Okinawa

 

The US Navy has significantly increased its surveillance capabilities in the Asia-Pacific region by deploying a second MQ-4C Triton maritime surveillance aircraft to Japan’s Kadena Air Base in Okinawa. This move follows the earlier deployment of several MQ-9 Reaper drones, enhancing intelligence gathering in the area.

According to an official from Japan’s Ministry of Defense, the second Triton arrived at Kadena Air Base at 3:40 p.m. on June 9. This follows the first MQ-4C Triton’s arrival on May 20, both temporarily relocated from Guam. Japanese media images show both aircraft stationed in the Navy's tarmac hangar shortly after the second aircraft's arrival.

The Tritons will be stationed at Kadena from May to October, supported by approximately 50 personnel. Since October, eight MQ-9 Reaper drones have also been deployed at Kadena, highlighting the base's critical role due to its strategic location, within three hours' flight time from Beijing, Seoul, and Taipei.

Kadena Air Base, the largest US Air Force base in the Asia-Pacific region, regularly hosts advanced fighter jets, with recent rotations including F-35 Lightning IIs, F-22 Raptors, US F-16s, and F-15E Strike Eagles. The base is also increasing its unmanned aerial vehicle presence to bolster reconnaissance and surveillance efforts.

The Okinawa Times, referencing the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), reported that the second MQ-4C Triton was scheduled for a flight around Okinawa’s main island on June 9. However, this plan was withdrawn shortly after the aircraft's arrival.

The deployment has sparked controversy, with local governments and the Okinawa Prefecture opposing the indefinite presence of MQ-9 drones and the temporary deployment of MQ-4C Tritons. The Kadena Town Council expressed concerns about potential aircraft accidents due to the rising number of US military assets at the base.

The MQ-4C Triton, developed by Northrop Grumman, is distinct from the RQ-4 Global Hawk, designed to withstand bird strikes and lightning, and capable of close-range maritime observation. Equipped with advanced sensors, the Triton can provide precise targeting information to naval assets, enhancing operational reach.

With two MQ-4C Tritons now operational at Kadena, the US military is set to intensify surveillance in regions where China is increasingly active. Drones will undertake intelligence missions in the Nansei region and surrounding areas, crucial maritime territories stretching from Kyushu to Taiwan.

China has escalated maritime challenges in the East and South China Seas, with frequent coast guard incursions into Japanese-claimed waters around the Senkaku Islands. Japan views these actions as attempts to undermine its sovereignty over the islands. The enhanced surveillance capabilities provided by the drones are crucial for monitoring and asserting control over these contested areas without provocation.

Canada Bolsters Air Force with $8.17B Contract for 70 Trainer Aircraft After F-35 Deal

 After securing a $14.2 billion deal for F-35 stealth fighters, Canada is now focusing on trainer jets, announcing plans to acquire new airframes to replace older models. On May 29, as part of the Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program, Canada awarded SkyAlyne Canada Limited Partnership an $8.17 billion contract to provide 70 training aircraft from five different airframe fleets.

This 25-year FAcT contract includes basic and advanced flight training for the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), covering aircraft and helicopter pilots, air combat systems officers, and airborne electronic sensor operators. Training will commence in spring 2029 and continue for 25 years.

The training fleet will include Airbus Helicopters H-135, Beechcraft King Air 260, De Havilland Dash 8-400 with mission training systems, Grob G120TP, and Pilatus PC-21. Basic flight training will be conducted in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, using seven Beechcraft King Air 260s and twenty-three Grob G120TPs, with nineteen Pilatus PC-21s for advanced jet pilot training. Advanced rotary-wing training will use seventeen Airbus H135s in Southport, Manitoba, and three DeHavilland Dash-8s equipped with mission training systems for training systems officers and sensor operators in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Bill Blair, the Minister of National Defense, emphasized the importance of collaboration with Canadian industry partners to provide necessary tools for military personnel while supporting jobs across Canada. He reiterated the government's commitment to strengthening defense relationships with transparency and trust, in line with their renewed vision for defense, "Our North, Strong and Free."

This move comes amid growing security concerns, especially following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The Canadian government has been investing heavily to modernize the RCAF’s aircraft fleet and enhance combat readiness. This includes transitioning from the outdated CT-155 Hawk unit to newer platforms, with interim training programs hosted by NATO allies in Texas, Italy, and Finland.

The acquisition from SkyAlyne will replace the current RCAF training program, which includes contracts with NATO and Allied Wings expiring in 2028 and 2027, respectively. The new contract also includes classroom instruction, simulator training, and support activities for various RCAF roles, contributing to Canada’s air capability expansion.

Lieutenant-General Eric Kenny, RCAF Commander, highlighted the importance of modernizing training systems alongside frontline equipment and weapons systems to prepare personnel for increasingly complex operational theaters. This new purchase is part of the largest recapitalization of the RCAF since World War II, with Canada signing agreements for 140 aircraft since 2022, including F-35 fighters and P-8A Poseidon multi-mission aircraft, as well as the MQ-9B SkyGuardian Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) and upgraded refueling planes.