The Royal Australian Air Force’s (RAAF) first of four MC-55A Peregrines has finally landed in Australia, following delays from the original timeline under a 2019 foreign military sales deal.
The MC‑55A’s long-awaited arrival at RAAF Base Edinburgh, South Australia — the RAAF’s main base for operating and supporting airborne intelligence platforms — was captured by aviation photographer @airman941 on X.
In March 2025, Head of Air Force Capability Air Vice-Marshal Nicholas Hogan said that ahead of the aircraft’s expected arrival within the next 12 months, Canberra already built related facilities and trained its crew so they can conduct operational tests and evaluations.
Meanwhile, RAAF Base Darwin in the Northern Territory, RAAF Base Townsville in Queensland, and on the Cocos (Keeling) Islands are also being planned to function as MC-55 support facilities, according to The War Zone.
EW, ISR Aircraft
The MC-55A is based on a modified Gulfstream G550 business jet airframe, with L3Harris as the principal contractor responsible for modifying, missionizing, and integrating advanced systems into the platform.
It is dedicated to electronic warfare (EW) and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions, replacing the capabilities previously provided by the AP-3C Orion aircraft, in support of Air 555 Phase I, an initiative to strengthen the country’s airborne EW and ISR capabilities.
The Peregrine will be integrated into Australia’s joint warfighting networks, linking platforms such as the RAAF’s F-35A Joint Strike Fighter, E-7A Wedgetail, EA-18G Growler, as well as naval surface combatants, amphibious assault ships, and ground forces.
