The first of four MC-55A Peregrine - Australia's inaugural airborne Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance and Electronic Warfare (ISREW) aircraft - has arrived, marking a major milestone in strengthening the nation's sovereign defence capability.
The Albanese Government is pleased to announce the first MC-55A arrived at RAAF Base Edinburgh, South Australia, late last week. Modelled on the Gulfstream G550 airframe and extensively enhanced by L3Harris Technologies, the MC-55A is a long-range, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft designed to deliver multiple sources of intelligence in support of Defence operations.
This advanced capability reinforces Australia's national defence posture and contributes to deterrence. Integrated within a focused and agile force, the MC-55A ensures the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) is ready to detect, disrupt, deter, and if necessary defeat threats - underpinning the Australian Defence Force's (ADF) commitment to readiness and resilience.
The MC-55A will be a key component of Australia's broader ISR enterprise, complementing platforms such as the P-8A Poseidon and MQ-4C Triton, and forming a critical link in the nation's sovereign network of surveillance and electronic warfare assets.
Operated by Number 10 Squadron, the MC-55A Peregrine will be based at RAAF Base Edinburgh, South Australia.
Quotes attributable to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, the Hon. Richard Marles MP:
"The introduction of the MC-55A Peregrine represents a significant step forward in strengthening Australia's ability to monitor and protect its strategic interests, including key maritime approaches.
"This capability will integrate seamlessly with allied and partner systems, enabling the Air Force and ADF to share intelligence with security partners like the United Kingdom and United States - reinforcing our collective security and enhancing regional stability."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon. Pat Conroy MP:
"This investment strengthens Australia's sovereign intelligence, surveillance, and electronic warfare capability and ensures our Defence Force is prepared for the challenges of tomorrow."
Quotes attributable the Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Stephen Chappell DSC, CSC, OAM:
"The introduction of the MC-55A to Air Force's fleet will ensure we have a critical enabler for advanced ADF capabilities and, as identified in the 2024 Integrated Investment Program, provide important intelligence information to support ADF missions.
"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."
