Australia Receives First MC-55A Peregrine

AUSTRALIA received the first of four MC-55A Peregrine aircraft, arriving at the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Base Edinburgh, South Australia last week. The MC-55A is Australia’s inaugural airborne Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance and Electronic Warfare (ISREW) aircraft.

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 Australian Defence Force (ADF) operations.

Integrated within a focused and agile force, the MC-55A ensures the RAAF is ready to detect, disrupt, deter, and if necessary defeat threats – underpinning the ADF’s commitment to readiness and resilience.The MC-55A will be a key component of Australia’s broader ISR enterprise, complementing platforms such as the Boeing P-8A Poseidon and MQ-4C Triton, which forms a critical link in the nation’s sovereign network of surveillance and electronic warfare assets. The MC-55A will be operated by the Number 10 Squadron and based at RAAF Base Edinburgh.

On the aircraft’s delivery, deputy prime minister and defence minister, Richard Marles said, “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.”

RAAF chief Air Marshal Stephen Chappell added,“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 Programme, 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.”