The Australian authorities has confirmed the arrival of an MC-55A Peregrine plane in a serious milestone in strengthening the nation’s sovereign defence functionality.
The primary of 4 plane arrived at RAAF Base Edinburgh, South Australia, late final week and is predicted to behave as an airborne intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and digital warfare plane. Operated by Quantity 10 Squadron, the MC-55A Peregrine will probably be primarily based at RAAF Edinburgh.
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“The introduction of the MC-55A Peregrine represents a major step ahead in strengthening Australia’s means to watch and shield its strategic pursuits, together with key maritime approaches,” based on Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles.
“This functionality will combine seamlessly with allied and associate techniques, enabling the Air Pressure and ADF to share intelligence with safety companions like the UK and United States; reinforcing our collective safety and enhancing regional stability.”
Modelled on the Gulfstream G550 airframe and extensively enhanced by L3Harris Applied sciences, the MC-55A is a long-range, surveillance and reconnaissance plane designed to ship a number of sources of intelligence in assist of Defence operations, mentioned Chief of Air Pressure, Air Marshal Stephen Chappell.
“The introduction of the MC-55A to Air Pressure’s fleet will guarantee we’ve a important enabler for superior ADF capabilities and, as recognized within the 2024 Built-in Funding Program, present vital intelligence info to assist ADF missions,” he mentioned.
“The MC-55A Peregrine is greater than an plane; it’s a strategic functionality that reinforces our means to guard nationwide pursuits in an more and more complicated safety setting.”
In line with Minister for Defence Business Pat Conroy, the MC-55A will probably be a key part of Australia’s broader ISR enterprise, complementing platforms such because the P-8A Poseidon and MQ-4C Triton, and forming a important hyperlink within the nation’s sovereign community of surveillance and digital warfare belongings.
“This funding strengthens Australia’s sovereign intelligence, surveillance, and digital warfare functionality and ensures our Defence Pressure is ready for the challenges of tomorrow.”
The primary plane has been delivered by the US Air Pressure to the RAAF, and follow-on plane will stay within the USAF’s possession whereas supporting RAAF coaching and pre-delivery necessities. L3Harris has established a area service group in Australia to work alongside native trade companions for in-country assist.
“The MC-55A Peregrine will probably be a pressure multiplier in delivering important knowledge for long-range focusing on, regional deployments and efficient mission planning,” mentioned Jason Lambert, President, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance, L3Harris.
“The specialised plane will give the RAAF info superiority and function strategic belongings for future Australian Defence Pressure operations.”
Ongoing software program and {hardware} upgrades will assist make sure the Peregrine stays prepared to fulfill evolving threats and future mission wants.


