The Royal Australian Air Force has received its first MC-55A Peregrine airborne intelligence and electronic warfare aircraft, marking the debut of Australia’s most sophisticated crewed ISR platform. Delivered to RAAF Base Edinburgh, the aircraft strengthens the nation’s capacity to gather and exploit signals intelligence and operate effectively in contested electromagnetic environments.
Announced by the Australian Government on 24 January 2026, the arrival of the MC-55A represents a significant step in modernizing Australia’s intelligence, surveillance and electronic warfare capabilities. The aircraft was acquired through a U.S. Foreign Military Sales program and missionised by L3Harris Technologies using the Gulfstream G550 business jet. Following an extended period of mission-system integration and testing in the United States, the lead aircraft has now transitioned to Australian service, where it will support national and allied operations across the Indo-Pacific.
The Peregrine program comprises four missionised aircraft, procured with the U.S. Air Force acting as acquisition and test agent. The first MC-55A completed U.S. Air Force integration and evaluation before being transferred to the RAAF, while follow-on aircraft will remain temporarily in the United States to support training, tactics development and further testing. L3Harris is simultaneously establishing local sustainment arrangements in Australia and working with domestic industry partners to ensure long-term support and an upgrade pathway aligned with evolving operational needs.
Configured for long-endurance, high-altitude missions, the MC-55A features a multi-intelligence sensor suite designed to operate across the electromagnetic spectrum. While specific systems remain classified, the aircraft is widely assessed to provide advanced signals intelligence, electronic support and electronic attack capabilities, coupled with secure networking to enable rapid dissemination of intelligence across joint and coalition command-and-control architectures.
The MC-55A will be operated by No. 10 Squadron from RAAF Base Edinburgh, complementing platforms such as the P-8A Poseidon and MQ-4C Triton. Integrated into Australia’s broader ISR and battle-management network, the Peregrine is expected to play a key role in emitter detection, electronic order of battle development and targeting support, enhancing the Australian Defence Force’s ability to conduct coordinated, multi-domain operations.
