The US State Department has approved a Baseline 2 upgrade for Australia’s MC-55A intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and electronic warfare (ISREW) aircraft.
Australia has requested the purchase of equipment and services to support the maintenance of its MC-55A “Peregrine” aircraft fleet, including major and minor modifications, spare parts, technical and logistics assistance, and other related elements.
The proposed foreign military sale, if approved by the US Congress, is estimated to cost $404 million.
“The proposed sale will improve Australia’s capability to maintain its fleet of MC-55A aircraft that enhances its ability to conduct effective air operations and supports US operations in the region,” the Pentagon’s Defense Security Cooperation Agency stated.
Texas-based L3Harris is the principal contractor for the proposed sale, and no offset agreement has been proposed.
Delayed Delivery
The Royal Australian Air Force has ordered four MC-55As, with the first expected to arrive this year.
However, the Baseline 2 upgrade is reportedly expected to delay the delivery schedule further.
Based on the Gulfstream G550 business jet, the aircraft is equipped with a custom L3Harris Technologies sensor package, which required extensive airframe modifications and a new airworthiness certification.
Originally scheduled for delivery in 2023, the entire process delayed the aircraft’s delivery by two years.
Next-Gen Electronic Warfare Platform
Acquired under Project Air 555 Phase 1, the aircraft will incorporate the next evolution of a proven airborne ISREW capability.
“It will be a critical enabler of the ADF’s (Australia Defence Force) fifth-generation warfighting platforms and will conduct routine and rapid surveillance in order to provide real-time threat warning and intelligence support, as well as intelligence mission data production,” The Australian quoted an Australia Department of Defence spokesperson as saying.
“This capability will substantially enhance EW (electronic warfare) support for operations in electromagnetic environments.
The system’s ability to fuse multiple inputs across the electromagnetic spectrum will enhance situational awareness for Defence, Australia’s allies and partners.”
It will replace a pair of AP-3C Orion aircraft, which were retired in December 2023.
The 2.34-billion Australian dollar ($1.53-billion) acquisition is part of a plan to bolster the country’s ISREW capability, including upgrading the E/A-18G Growler electronic warfare aircraft.
