Australia has taken delivery of its first MC-55A Peregrine airborne intelligence and electronic warfare aircraft, marking a major milestone in the modernization of the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). The aircraft arrived at RAAF Base Edinburgh on 24 January 2026, officially introducing Australia’s most advanced crewed intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and electronic warfare (ISREW) platform. The delivery significantly strengthens Australia’s ability to collect, analyze, and act on high-end signals intelligence in increasingly contested operational environments.
The MC-55A Peregrine was acquired through a U.S. Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program and is based on the Gulfstream G550 business jet, with mission systems integrated by L3Harris Technologies. The aircraft underwent an extended period of mission-system integration and testing in the United States before its transfer to the RAAF. The program includes the acquisition of four missionized aircraft, with the U.S. Air Force acting as procurement and test authority. Follow-on aircraft will initially remain in the United States to support RAAF training, tactics development, and crew qualification.
Configured for long-range, high-altitude operations, the MC-55A features a multi-intelligence mission system optimized for operations across the electromagnetic spectrum. While specific sensor details remain classified, the platform is understood to focus on signals intelligence, electronic support measures, and electronic attack, supported by advanced communications and datalink systems that allow near-real-time dissemination of intelligence to joint and coalition forces.
Operated by No. 10 Squadron and permanently based at RAAF Base Edinburgh, the MC-55A will integrate into Australia’s broader ISR ecosystem alongside platforms such as the P-8A Poseidon, MQ-4C Triton, E-7A Wedgetail, EA-18G Growler, and F-35A Lightning II. By enabling detection, characterization, and geolocation of emitters, the Peregrine will support targeting, electronic order of battle development, and networked multi-domain operations, reinforcing Australia’s information advantage in future conflicts.
