Australia has taken delivery of its first MC-55A Peregrine airborne intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and electronic warfare aircraft at RAAF Base Edinburgh, marking the introduction of the nation’s most advanced crewed ISR capability. The aircraft significantly enhances Australia’s ability to collect, analyse and exploit high-end signals intelligence in increasingly contested operational environments.
The Australian Government confirmed on 24 January 2026 that the MC-55A had arrived in country, representing a major milestone in the Royal Australian Air Force’s modernization program. Acquired through a U.S. Foreign Military Sales arrangement and missionised by L3Harris Technologies on the Gulfstream G550 platform, the Peregrine introduces Australia’s first dedicated airborne ISREW capability. The aircraft completed extensive integration and mission-system testing in the United States before transfer to the RAAF and is intended to support both national and coalition operations by improving situational awareness and information superiority across multiple domains.
Australia is procuring four MC-55A aircraft under the program, with the U.S. Air Force acting as the procurement and test authority. L3Harris delivered the lead airframe to the U.S. Air Force for integration and evaluation prior to its handover to Australia. Subsequent aircraft will initially remain under U.S. control to support RAAF training, tactics development and pre-delivery activities, while L3Harris establishes an in-country support team and partners with Australian industry to sustain the fleet and deliver future hardware and software upgrades.
Based on the long-range, high-altitude Gulfstream G550, the MC-55A is equipped with a multi-intelligence mission system optimized for operations across the electromagnetic spectrum. Although sensor details remain classified, the aircraft is understood to focus on signals intelligence, electronic support and electronic attack, supported by secure communications and datalinks that enable real-time dissemination of intelligence to joint and allied commanders.
Operated by No. 10 Squadron and permanently stationed at RAAF Base Edinburgh, the Peregrine will integrate with Australia’s wider ISR ecosystem alongside the P-8A Poseidon and MQ-4C Triton. The platform is designed to detect, classify and geolocate emitters, support targeting for long-range strike assets and contribute to the electronic order of battle, reinforcing the Australian Defence Force’s transition toward networked, multi-domain operations.
