iscover
Australia’s first MC-55A Peregrine advanced electronic warfare and surveillance aircraft has reportedly been delivered to the Royal Australian Air Force.
This content is available exclusively to Australian Aviation members.
A monthly membership is only $5.99 or save with our annual plans.
- Australian Aviation quarterly print & digital magazines
- Access to In Focus reports every month on our website
- Unlimited access to all Australian Aviation digital content
- Access to the Australian Aviation app
- Australian Aviation quarterly print & digital magazines
- Access to In Focus reports every month on our website
- Access to our Behind the Lens photo galleries and other exclusive content
- Daily news updates via our email bulletin
- Unlimited access to all Australian Aviation digital content
- Access to the Australian Aviation app
- Australian Aviation quarterly print & digital magazines
- Access to In Focus reports every month on our website
- Access to our Behind the Lens photo galleries and other exclusive content
- Daily news updates via our email bulletin
The aircraft, a modified Gulfstream G550, reportedly arrived at RAAF Base Edinburgh in South Australia on 22 January this year, according to enthusiasts covering the arrival, after travelling from an L3Harris facility in Greenville, South Carolina.
The new MC-55A Peregrine aircraft is expected to be deployed with Royal Australian Air Force No. 10 Squadron after receiving its official Australian military serial number. In addition, the aircraft is expected to provide new capability to the RAAF, such as electronic warfare, as well as intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR).
A MC-55A Main Squadron Facility was previously opened at RAAF Base Edinburgh during a ceremony on 10 July 2024. The MSF is the main future operating facility for No 10 Squadron, supporting the MC-55A Peregrine aircraft and associated systems.
Speaking to The Australian last year, L3Harris’ ISR president Jason Lambert said there are “several different intelligence collecting systems” on the aircraft.
“I can’t comment on the specific capability set, other than the fact that it does have pieces of electronic warfare and multi-mission strategic ISR equipment,” he said.
“There are other ‘missionised’ business jets that other countries operate, but I can say that this is the first aircraft of its kind with this volume of capability and volume of sensor suite package on a business jet. I’ll go even further to say that, from an ISR capability on this jet platform, there is nothing else in the world that matches the MC-55A Peregrine.
“What it provides in the strategic capability, and command and control, along with being able to link assets together and be a force multiplier for air, sea, space and ground forces, is really going to be a game-changer for the RAAF.”
The purchase was approved by the US State Department in 2025, with the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency saying it would “support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States”.
“The strategic location of this political and economic power contributes significantly to ensuring peace and economic stability in the region. It is vital to the US national interest to assist our ally in developing and maintaining a strong and ready self-defence capability.
“The proposed sale will improve Australia’s capability to maintain its fleet of MC-55A aircraft that enhances its ability to conduct effective air operations and supports US operations in the region.”
L3 Harris and the Department of Defence have both been contacted for comment.
