The Turnbull Government is today expected to announce it is spending almost $7 billion on surveillance drones in a shared-use Defence plan with the United States. Picture: Supplied.

The federal government is set to spend almost $7 billion on long-range surveillance drones for use in defence operations with the United States in the Asia region.

Australia will purchase six of the large MQ-4C Triton drones, with the aircraft able to complete a lap of the South China Sea from the Northern Territory.

"Australia's alliance with the US is our most important defence relationship, underpinned by strong co-operation in defence industry and capability development," Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said in a statement to Fairfax.

“This co-operative program will strengthen our ability to develop advanced capability and conduct joint military operations.”

It is understood Australia will work with the US as part of the shared-use drone program for border protection, counter-piracy, targeting illegal fishing and carrying out surveillance missions in Asia.

Each remotely-controlled aircraft has the wingspan of a Boeing 737 and can monitor an area the size of Switzerland – or around 40,000 square kilometres - within one day.
The plan will target the South China Sea and the greater Asia region, with drones used to focus on border protection, counter-piracy and surveillance missions. Picture: Supplied.

"Together these aircraft will significantly enhance our anti-submarine warfare and maritime strike capability, as well as our search and rescue capability," Mr Turnbull said in the statement.

"Our number one priority is keeping Australians safe. This investment will protect our borders and make our region more secure.

"As part of this investment Australia will also enter into a $200 million cooperative program with the United States Navy for the development, production and sustainment of the MQ-4C Triton."

Defence Industry Christopher Pyne told 9NEWS the Triton drones can spend more time in the air covering a greater surface area, and will therefore boost Australia's defence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities. Picture: 9NEWS.

Although the purchase of the six drones is one less than outlined in the government’s 2016 Defence White Paper, it is believed Mr Turnbull is still considering buying an additional aircraft.

The drones will replace the P-3 Orion surveillance planes that have been in use by Australia since the 1980s and also complement the seven P-84 Poseidon drones currently in use.

Federal Defence Industry Minister Christopher Pyne today told 9NEWS the Triton's increased capabilities when it comes to spending more time in the area and managing a greater surface area are its main selling points.

"We've got 7 Poseidons, and we'll soon have one Triton, and eventually we'll have 12 Poseidons and six Tritons," he said.

"It gives us even more capabilities for surveillance and reconnaissance. That helps us to know who's in our sea area. Also we'll use it for people smugglers people who want to environmental damage in our area (and) illegal fishers.

"It's a new capability, it's very important for us to know who is operating in our area and therefore be able to respond if necessary to any threats."

The Coalition has also said that the purchase of the drones is expected to create up to 70 jobs in South Australia and the Northern Territory, with the first of the aircraft to be introduced into service in mid-2023.

All of the drones are expected to be in full operation by the end of 2025 and based at the Edinburgh RAAF base in South Australia.

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