The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) has received the first MC-55A Peregrine, an aircraft that becomes part of the air force modernization program under the AISREW program, oriented towards intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and electronic warfare missions.
Based on the Gulfstream G550 jet, the model has been extensively modified to function as a multimission platform capable of collecting data and electronically interfering on the battlefield.
Equipped with a wide range of sensors, antennas and satellite communication systems, the MC-55 was designed to carry out electronic warfare (EW), signals intelligence (SIGINT) and ISR tasks at long distances, taking advantage of the autonomy of approximately 15 hours of flight and the ability to operate at more than 15,000 meters altitude. The aircraft will also be able to serve as a data relay and fusion node, connecting fighters like the F-35A, early warning aircraft like the E-7A, electronic attack aircraft like the EA-18G, Navy ships and land forces into an integrated combat network.
The new aircraft was also designed to operate in conjunction with unmanned aircraft, such as the MQ-28A Ghost Bat drones, extending the reach of missions and allowing these systems to operate in riskier areas, while the MC-55 coordinates operations from a safer location. The integration between piloted and unmanned systems is seen as one of the pillars of Australia’s networked combat doctrine and the so-called “fully connected fifth generation air force”.
Based at RAAF Base Edinburgh, the MC-55 will work in cooperation with P-8A Poseidons and MQ-4C Triton drones, as well as having support facilities in other strategic regions, including the Cocos Islands in the Indian Ocean. In light of rising tensions 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, significantly strengthening its monitoring and electronic warfare capabilities.
Source: The War Zone | Photo: X @airman941 | This content was created with the help of 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
