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Australia Receives First MC-55A Peregrine Surveillance and Electronic Warfare Aircraft

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Australia Receives First MC-55A Peregrine

Australia has taken delivery of its first MC-55A Peregrine aircraft, marking a significant step in its air force overhaul program. This platform is a highly modified Gulfstream G550 business jet, specifically configured for airborne intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and electronic warfare (AISREW) missions.

The aircraft arrived at RAAF Base Edinburgh, South Australia, its designated home base. The delivery flight originated from the L3Harris facility in Greenville, Texas, with multiple stopovers.

Acquisition Details

This MC-55 is one of four currently on order for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) under Project AIR 555, a $1.6-billion acquisition. The U.S. State Department approved Australia's purchase of up to five modified jets in 2017. The RAAF's No. 10 Squadron will operate the aircraft.

Aircraft Capabilities and Features

  • The MC-55's comprehensive AISREW suite is indicated by numerous antennas around the fuselage, a large belly 'canoe,' and a bulbous tail cone containing sensors.
  • Additional features include a dorsal satellite communications array and a prominent satcom antenna fairing atop the tailfin.
  • The aircraft performs electronic warfare (EW), signals intelligence (SIGINT), and intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR) missions.
  • It offers a flight endurance of approximately 15 hours and can operate at an altitude of 51,000 feet.
  • The MC-55 is intended to function as a networking relay and data-fusion platform, integrating with existing RAAF assets such as the F-35A, E-7A Wedgetail, and EA-18G Growler, as well as naval and ground forces. This role is comparable to the U.S. Air Force’s E-11A Battlefield Airborne Communications Node (BACN) fleet.
  • L3Harris Technologies is responsible for integrating the mission systems for the MC-55.

The MC-55 has been tailored to meet the requirements of Australia's “fully networked fifth-generation air force,” emphasizing expanded electronic warfare and ISR capabilities.

Strategic Importance

The RAAF is also involved in the introduction of Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA), having acquired MQ-28A Ghost Bat drones. The MC-55 could potentially serve as a control platform for these uncrewed systems, extending operational reach and providing escort functions in contested airspace.

Operational Deployment

Operating primarily out of RAAF Base Edinburgh, the MC-55 will work alongside maritime surveillance aircraft like the P-8A Poseidon and MQ-4C Triton. Dedicated support facilities are planned for RAAF Base Darwin, RAAF Base Townsville, and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands to ensure broad regional coverage and operational flexibility.

The aircraft is anticipated to be utilized for monitoring military activities in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly in response to the growing Chinese military presence.