Australia receives first MC-55A Peregrine surveillance aircraft

Australia has taken a significant step in enhancing its national defense capabilities with the arrival of the first MC-55A Peregrine aircraft at RAAF Base Edinburgh in South Australia. The delivery marks the launch of the nation’s first dedicated airborne Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance, and Electronic Warfare (ISREW) platform.

Developed by L3Harris Technologies and based on the Gulfstream G550 business jet airframe, the MC-55A is designed to conduct long-range missions capable of collecting and analyzing a range of intelligence data. The aircraft features advanced sensors, signal-detection systems, and electronic-warfare suites that enable it to operate across a wide range of military and surveillance missions.

The Australian government confirmed the arrival as a milestone in the modernization of the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). The first of four MC-55A aircraft will be operated by Number 10 Squadron and based at RAAF Base Edinburgh. The platform is expected to become fully operational in the coming years as integration, training, and mission testing proceed.

The MC-55A strengthens Australia’s broader Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) enterprise. It will operate alongside key assets such as the P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft and the MQ-4C Triton unmanned aerial vehicle, enhancing maritime domain awareness, electronic surveillance, and real-time data sharing across defense networks.