Australia has taken delivery of its first MC-55A Peregrine, introducing a new airborne intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and electronic warfare capability to the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF).
The aircraft arrived at RAAF Base Edinburgh, South Australia, on January 22, 2026, according to a joint statement by Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles and Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy.
No. 10 Squadron to operate four aircraft from Edinburgh
The Peregrine, based on the Gulfstream G550 business jet and “extensively enhanced” by L3Harris Technologies as a prime contractor, is intended to deliver “multiple sources of intelligence” in support of Australian Defence Force operations.
Australia plans to field four MC-55A aircraft, operated by No. 10 Squadron from RAAF Base Edinburgh, about 25 kilometers (16 miles) north of Adelaide, South Australia
Canberra says the MC-55A will sit within a wider ISR enterprise, complementing platforms such as the Boeing P-8A Poseidon and the Northrop Grumman MQ-4C Triton.
Delivered via US Foreign Military Sales
L3Harris said it delivered the first of type MC-55A to the US Air Force after integration and mission system testing as part of Australia’s Peregrine fleet, with the RAAF acquiring the missionized business jets through a US Foreign Military Sales program.
In the government release, Marles said the aircraft’s introduction strengthens Australia’s ability to monitor and protect strategic interests, including maritime approaches, and highlighted interoperability with partners such as the UK and US.
Australia’s Chief of Air Force Air Marshal Stephen Chappell described the MC-55A as a “critical enabler” and pointed to the 2024 Integrated Investment Program as part of the rationale for the capability.
