U.S. Navy activates second MQ-4C Triton drone squadron to enhance high-altitude surveillance.

In early November 2025, the U.S. Department of War announced that the U.S. Navy had established Unmanned Patrol Squadron Eleven, equipped with the MQ-4C Triton. The move makes VUP-11 the Navy’s second operational Triton squadron, reinforcing the unmanned aircraft’s growing role in maritime patrol and reconnaissance.

At the beginning of November 2025, the U.S. Department of War announced that the U.S. Navy had advanced its unmanned aviation capabilities by establishing Unmanned Patrol Squadron Eleven. Known as VUP-11, the unit becomes the Navy’s second operational squadron flying the MQ-4C Triton, a high-altitude, long-endurance unmanned aircraft system designed to support maritime patrol and reconnaissance missions across vast ocean areas.
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The MQ-4C Triton is a high-altitude, long-endurance unmanned aircraft system developed by Northrop Grumman for the U.S. Navy, designed to provide persistent maritime surveillance and real-time intelligence across vast ocean regions. (Picture source: U.S. Department of War)

The MQ-4C Triton represents the U.S. Navy’s most advanced unmanned platform designed to deliver persistent, theater-level maritime ISR. Manufactured by Northrop Grumman and derived from the U.S. Air Force’s RQ-4 Global Hawk, the MQ-4C has been extensively adapted for maritime operations. The aircraft features reinforced wings, de-icing systems, and hardened airframe components, enabling it to operate in harsh oceanic environments for extended periods. Capable of flying at altitudes above 50,000 feet (15,240 m) for more than 24 continuous hours, the Triton can surveil immense swaths of sea space while relaying critical, real-time intelligence to joint commanders and fleet assets.

The MQ-4C’s mission profile is built around sustained ISR and maritime domain awareness (MDA). It can identify and track surface vessels, monitor exclusive economic zones (EEZs), support anti-submarine warfare (ASW) coordination, and conduct broad-area intelligence collection. The aircraft is equipped with the AN/ZPY-3 Multi-Function Active Sensor (MFAS) radar, which can scan over 2.7 million square miles (7 million square kilometers) in a single sortie. Complementing this radar are high-resolution electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensors and advanced electronic support measures (ESM), which allow the aircraft to intercept, classify, and geolocate signals of interest. This makes the Triton invaluable for both strategic deterrence and tactical support in peacetime and crisis conditions.

What sets the MQ-4C apart from previous maritime patrol systems is its ability to deliver uninterrupted ISR without putting crews at risk. The platform serves as a key enabler of the U.S. Navy’s Distributed Maritime Operations (DMO) concept, which emphasizes flexibility, resilience, and wide-area situational awareness in contested environments. Paired with the manned P-8A Poseidon Multi-Mission Maritime Aircraft (MMA), the MQ-4C forms a complementary team. While the Poseidon provides ASW capabilities, rapid-response strike, and crewed decision-making, the Triton offers long-endurance ISR coverage, enabling the fleet to maintain a persistent watch over key maritime chokepoints, sea lanes, and emerging hotspots such as the South China Sea and the Arctic approaches.

The establishment of a second MQ-4C drone squadron is more than a force expansion. It reflects a deliberate strategic decision to increase operational resilience and global ISR presence. With VUP-19 already operating out of NAS Jacksonville, Florida, to support ISR operations across the Atlantic, Mediterranean, and Middle East, the stand-up of VUP-11 at NAS Whidbey Island brings new coverage capabilities to the Pacific and Arctic regions. These regions are increasingly vital to U.S. strategic priorities, particularly amid intensifying naval activity by China and Russia.

This bi-coastal MQ-4C architecture enables the U.S. Navy to conduct near-continuous ISR operations across multiple theaters without over-relying on manned assets. In contingency or crisis scenarios, Tritons can be reassigned flexibly between coasts or theaters to maintain ISR continuity. As adversaries field anti-access/area-denial (A2/AD) capabilities, the Triton provides the U.S. Navy with the persistent surveillance it needs to penetrate and monitor contested spaces while reducing personnel risk.

VUP-11’s designation revives the legacy of Patrol Squadron 11 (VP-11), known as “Proud Pegasus,” which served for nearly five decades until its deactivation in 1997. The new unit also incorporates seasoned personnel from the recently decommissioned Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron One (VQ-1), the “World Watchers,” who bring deep expertise in signals intelligence (SIGINT) and airborne reconnaissance operations. This blend of historical lineage and operational experience is shaping VUP-11 into a uniquely capable force.

Cmdr. Nathen Whisler, executive officer of VUP-11, underscored the significance of this lineage. “The Dark Horse name and insignia connect us to the successes of VP-11 Proud Pegasus, while also acknowledging the contributions of Sailors transitioning from the VQ-1 World Watchers,” he said. “As we begin to create our own legacy, we recognize that we stand upon the shoulders of giants and are building upon the foundation laid by those who came before us.”

While initial flight operations at NAS Whidbey Island are expected to begin in 2026, full operational capability (FOC) for VUP-11 is projected for 2027. The squadron’s development will continue in parallel with the MQ-4C’s evolving capabilities. The next major configuration, known as Increment 2, will expand the aircraft’s mission set to include multi-intelligence (Multi-INT) roles, including advanced SIGINT collection, electronic intelligence (ELINT), and targeting support. These upgrades will bring the MQ-4C closer to fulfilling missions traditionally conducted by manned platforms such as the EP-3 Aries.

For the U.S. Navy, VUP-11 is not just a new squadron. It is a critical node in a growing unmanned ISR architecture designed to deliver global awareness, decision advantage, and maritime dominance. As one senior ISR official involved in Pacific planning told Army Recognition, “With Triton, we gain persistent presence without compromise. Whether it’s early warning, threat mapping, or supporting kinetic operations, this platform ensures U.S. commanders see the full picture before adversaries move.

Written by Alain Servaes – Chief Editor, Army Recognition Group
Alain Servaes is a former infantry non-commissioned officer and the founder of Army Recognition. With over 20 years in defense journalism, he provides expert analysis on military equipment, NATO operations, and the global defense industry.