Royal Australian Air Force Adds Advanced ISR Capability with New Aircraft

Australia has officially taken delivery of its first MC-55A Peregrine spy jet, which will be operated by No. 10 Squadron at RAAF Base Edinburgh. The aircraft is based on the Gulfstream G550 business jet and enhanced by L3Harris Technologies as a prime contractor. According to a joint statement by Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles and Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy, the MC-55A will support multiple sources of intelligence in support of Australian Defence Force operations. This follows a US Foreign Military Sales program, with four aircraft planned for delivery. The Peregrine fleet is seen as a critical enabler for Australia’s ISR enterprise, complementing platforms such as the Boeing P-8A Poseidon and the Northrop Grumman MQ-4C Triton.