Australia’s first Peregrine arrives

The first of four MC-55A Peregrines – 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.

CAPTION: Australia’s first MC-55A Peregrine departs the United States for RAAF Base Edinburgh, South Australia. Photo courtesy L3Harris Technologies.

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 is ready to detect, disrupt, deter, and if necessary defeat threats – underpinning the ADF’s commitment to readiness and resilience.

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.

Chief of Air Force Air Marshal Stephen Chappell said the introduction of MC-55A to RAAF’s fleet would ensure Australia had a critical enabler for advanced ADF capabilities.  

“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.”

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