The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) has received the first MC-55A Peregrine, an aircraft that is now part of the Air Force’s modernization program under the AISREW program, which is aimed at reconnaissance, surveillance, intelligence and electronic warfare (EW) missions.
Based on the Gulfstream G550 jet, the model has been deeply modified to function as a multi-purpose platform capable of both collecting data and conducting electronic jamming on the battlefield.
Equipped with a variety of sensors, antennas and satellite communications systems, the MC-55 is designed to perform long-range electronic warfare (EW), signals intelligence (SIGINT) and ISR tasks. With a range of approximately 15 hours of flight and the ability to operate at altitudes of more than 15,000 meters, the aircraft can carry out multiple missions simultaneously. The aircraft can also operate as a data relay and fusion node to connect aircraft such as the F-35A, early warning aircraft such as the E-7A, electronic attack aircraft such as the EA-18G, Marine units and ground forces into an integrated combat network.
The new platform is also designed to work with unmanned aircraft such as the MQ-28A Ghost Bat drones, increasing the range of missions and allowing these systems to operate in riskier areas while the MC-55 coordinates operations from a safer position. The integration of manned and unmanned systems is considered a cornerstone of Australia’s network combat doctrine and the so-called “fully connected fifth generation air force”.
The MC-55 will operate from RAAF Base Edinburgh and will work alongside the P-8A Poseidon and MQ-4C Triton drones. There will also be support facilities in other strategic regions, including the Cocos Islands in the Indian Ocean. With tensions rising in the Indo-Pacific and China’s growing military presence in the region, the new aircraft is expected to become one of the RAAF’s most valuable assets and will significantly bolster surveillance and electronic warfare capabilities.
Those: The War Zone | Photo: X @airman941 | This content was created using AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
Feeling genuinely grateful today. The RAAF MC-55 Peregrine has finally been delivered to Adelaide, following an incredible route: KGVT > KDMA > PHNL > PWAK > PGUA > YPED, A huge milestone for Australian aviation and capability — honoured to watch it happen. 🇦🇺✈️ #RAAF #MC55… pic.twitter.com/js5M6KGm1L
— Airman94 🇦🇺 (@airman941) January 22, 2026
