The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) received its first MC-55A Peregrine surveillance and electronic warfare aircraft in January 2026, marking the introduction of a new airborne capability.
The plane, a commercial Gulfstream G550 business jet heavily modified by United States defense manufacturer L3Harris Technologies, is the first of four Peregrines that Australia plans to operate under Project AIR 555, the government program to modernize airborne electronic warfare and signals intelligence. Canberra acquired the aircraft through a U.S. foreign military sales program with L3Harris as prime contractor to modify the jets for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and electronic warfare. The aircraft sale to a key Pacific Ally supports U.S. national security objectives.
“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,” Chief of Air Force Air Marshal Stephen Chappell said in an Australian government news release.
The MC-55A will complement existing maritime and airborne assets such as the Boeing P-8A Poseidon and the Northrop Grumman MQ-4C Triton, improving Australia’s ability to monitor strategic approaches and operate in contested environments. The aircraft will be operated by
No. 10 Squadron from RAAF Base Edinburgh, according to the news release.
The Peregrine’s systems are designed to collect signals intelligence, perform electronic surveillance and support electronic warfare, enabling real-time or near real-time sharing of intelligence with partners including the United Kingdom and U.S., according to the government news release. It has an operational range of about 12,500 kilometers and extended on-station time allowing for complete intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance coverage wherever necessary.
Canberra’s decision to field the MC-55A reflects a broader strategic emphasis on strengthening interoperability with Allies and partners amid rising strategic competition in the Indo-Pacific. The Australian government called the plane’s arrival a milestone for the Australian Defense Force’s airborne ISR and electronic warfare posture, and as a capability to deter potential adversaries and protect national and regional interests.