First MC-55A Peregrine arrives in Australia

US defence prime contractor L3Harris Technologies has delivered the first of four MC-55A Peregrine aircraft to the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). The Peregrine, which marks a major milestone in strengthening Australia’s sovereign defence capability, is an airborne Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance and Electronic Warfare (ISREW) platform.

“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,” said Air Marshal Steve Chappell, Chief of Air Force.

The aircraft will be operated by 10 Squadron and based at RAAF Base Edinburgh, South Australia, alongside the Boeing P-8A Poseidon and the ground element of 9 Sqn which operates the autonomous MQ-4C Triton which flies from RAAF Base Tindal.

The Peregrine program has been delayed by the need to recertify the airframe – it needed a Supplemental Type Certificate because the original Gulfstream G550 airframe underwent massive changes to accommodate the aircraft’s new sensors. The alterations were carried out by L3Harris Technologies at Greenville, Texas, where the RAAF’s AP-3C Orions underwent a first-of-class upgrade back in the late-1990s. In August last year Defence paid some $618 million for a Baseline 2 upgrade package designed to enhance the MC-55A’s ISREW capabilities. Defence hasn’t said when the next three aircraft will be delivered.

“The arrival of the MC-55A Peregrine is a major milestone for our squadron,” said Squadron Leader Damian Ross, temporary Commanding Officer 10 Squadron. “Its advanced systems will deliver real-time threat warning and actionable intelligence to support decision-making.”

“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, Space and Mission Systems, L3Harris. “The specialized aircraft will give the RAAF information superiority and serve as strategic assets for future Australian Defence Force operations.”

The Company says follow-on aircraft will remain in the possession of the USAF while supporting RAAF training and pre-delivery requirements. L3Harris 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, said the company in a media release.

The MC-55A integrates seamlessly with allied and partner systems and will allow the ADF to share intelligence with key partners such as the UK and the USA, says Defence. This strengthens collective security and Australia’s ability to respond quickly to evolving regional threats.