The first of four MC-55A Peregrine airborne Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance and Electronic Warfare (ISREW) aircraft – arrived at RAAF Base Edinburgh on 22 January, marking a major milestone in strengthening the nation’s sovereign defence capability.
The aircraft is the first of four aircraft to be delivered to Edinburgh, where they will be operated by No.10 Squadron, RAAF.
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.
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.
“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,” commented Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Stephen Chappell.
“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.”
Defence Minister Richard Marles said the introduction of the MC-55A 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,” he said.
L3Harris Technologies had earlier announced that has delivered the first MC-55A aircraft to the US Air Force, following integration and mission system testing as part of Australia’s new Peregrine fleet. It said the first aircraft had since been delivered by the USAF to the RAAF and that the three follow-on aircraft will remain in the USAF’s posession while it supports RAAF training and pre-delivery requirements.
L3Harris also said that it has established a field service team in Australia to work alongside local industry partners for in-country support. Ongoing software and hardware upgrades will help ensure the Peregrine stays ready to meet evolving threats and future mission needs.
“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, for L3Harris. “The specialised aircraft will give the RAAF information superiority and serve as strategic assets for future Australian Defence Force operations.”
The four aircraft are being avquired through the US Foreign Military Sales (FMS) process.