In this article:
First MC-55A Peregrine delivered to the Royal Australian Air Force
The first of four MC-55A Peregrine – Australia’s inaugural airborne Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance and Electronic Warfare (ISREW) aircraft – has arrived, marking a major milestone in strengthening the nation’s sovereign defence capability.
The Albanese Government announced in a new release that the first MC-55A arrived at RAAF Base Edinburgh, South Australia, late last week. Modelled on the Gulfstream G550 airframe and extensively enhanced by L3Harris Technologies, the MC-55A is a long-range, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft designed to deliver multiple sources of intelligence in support of Defence operations.
This advanced capability reinforces Australia’s national defence posture and contributes to deterrence. Integrated within a focused and agile force, the MC-55A ensures the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) is ready to detect, disrupt, deter, and if necessary defeat threats – underpinning the Australian Defence Force’s (ADF) commitment to readiness and resilience.
The first aircraft has been delivered by the US Air Force (USAF) to the RAAF, and follow-on aircraft will remain in USAF’s possession while supporting RAAF training and pre-delivery requirements.
The MC-55A will be a key component of Australia’s broader ISR enterprise, complementing platforms such as the P-8A Poseidon and MQ-4C Triton, and forming a critical link in the nation’s sovereign network of surveillance and electronic warfare assets.
Operated by Number 10 Squadron, the MC-55A Peregrine will be based at RAAF Base Edinburgh, South Australia.
Enhancing regional stability
“The introduction of the MC-55A Peregrine represents a significant step forward in strengthening Australia’s ability to monitor and protect its strategic interests, including key maritime approaches.
“This capability will integrate seamlessly with allied and partner systems, enabling the Air Force and ADF to share intelligence with security partners like the United Kingdom and United States – reinforcing our collective security and enhancing regional stability,” said Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, the Hon. Richard Marles MP.
“This investment strengthens Australia’s sovereign intelligence, surveillance, and electronic warfare capability and ensures our Defence Force is prepared for the challenges of tomorrow,” Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon. Pat Conroy MP.
“The introduction of the MC-55A to Air Force’s fleet will ensure we have a critical enabler for advanced ADF capabilities and, as identified in the 2024 Integrated Investment Program, provide important intelligence information to support ADF missions.
“The MC-55A Peregrine is more than an aircraft—it is a strategic capability that reinforces our ability to protect national interests in an increasingly complex security environment,” Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Stephen Chappell DSC, CSC, OAM.
“The MC-55A Peregrine will be a force multiplier in delivering critical data for long-range targeting, regional deployments and effective mission planning,” said Jason Lambert, President, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance, Space and Mission Systems, L3Harris, in a company news release. “The specialized aircraft will give the RAAF information superiority and serve as strategic assets for future Australian Defence Force operations.”
The Peregrine
The MC-55A Peregrine is based on a modified Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation (GAC) G550 platform. The aircraft will incorporate the next evolution of an operationally proven Airborne Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance and Electronic Warfare (ISREW) capability.
The capability will be a critical enabler for the Australian Defence Force’s (ADF) fifth generation war fighting platforms and will conduct routine and rapid surveillance in order to provide real time threat warning and intelligence support to the ADF, and will be a primary contributor of information to support Intelligence Mission Data production.
The MC-55A platform is predominately a Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program through USAF. The USAF’s Prime Contractor for the acquisition of the Peregrine is L3Harris Technologies, Inc. Three domestic delivery agencies are involved in the major systems and Fundamental Inputs to Capability (FIC): Capability Acquisition & Sustainment Group (CASG), Security & Estate Group (SEG), and Defence Digital Group (DDG), with CASG acting as the Integrated Project Manager.
The MC-55A facilities will be located at four locations. The main operating base facilities will be built as a component of the ISREW Precinct at RAAF Base Edinburgh. Construction of the facilities commenced at RAAF Base Edinburgh in 2020. Facilities at three forward operating bases will also be delivered.
Photo credit: L3Harris Technologies
