The United States has delivered the first MC-55A Peregrine aircraft to the Royal Australian Air Force, L3Harris Technologies confirmed on January 24, 2026.
The aircraft was handed over by the U.S. Air Force following completion of integration and mission system testing, according to the company. The delivery is part of Australia’s Peregrine program, which is being executed through a U.S. foreign military sales arrangement and is designed to provide the RAAF with advanced intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and electronic warfare capabilities.
The MC-55A is a missionized business jet configured for multi-domain operations, allowing Australia to collect, process, and distribute data in support of national and coalition missions. The platform is intended to support long-range targeting, regional deployments, and mission planning across air, land, sea, space, and cyber domains.
As noted by L3Harris, the Peregrine fleet will enhance Australia’s ability to operate independently and alongside allies by providing information superiority in contested environments. The aircraft is equipped with a suite of classified sensors and mission systems designed to detect, analyze, and respond to electronic threats while supporting real-time intelligence sharing with other platforms.
“The MC-55A Peregrine will be a force multiplier in delivering critical data for long-range targeting, regional deployments and effective mission planning,” said Jason Lambert, president of Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance, Space and Mission Systems at L3Harris. “The specialized aircraft will give the RAAF information superiority and serve as strategic assets for future Australian Defence Force operations.”
Under the delivery arrangement, the first aircraft has been formally transferred by the U.S. Air Force to the RAAF, while follow-on aircraft will remain in U.S. custody for a period to support training and pre-delivery activities. This approach allows Australian crews and maintainers to begin familiarization and operational preparation before full fleet handover.
L3Harris said it has established a field service team in Australia to provide in-country technical support and to work with local industry partners. The company also plans ongoing software and hardware upgrades to ensure the aircraft remains aligned with evolving threat environments and operational requirements.
The MC-55A Peregrine is based on a modified Gulfstream business jet airframe but is extensively reconfigured to carry mission systems for electronic warfare, signals intelligence, and surveillance roles. While specific system details remain classified, the aircraft is designed to operate at long range and high altitude, allowing it to support operations across the Indo-Pacific region.
Australia’s decision to acquire the MC-55A reflects a broader shift toward expanding high-end intelligence and electronic warfare capabilities amid growing military activity in the region. The Peregrine fleet is expected to replace and expand on legacy capabilities, giving the RAAF greater persistence, flexibility, and reach in monitoring and responding to regional security developments.
The program also deepens interoperability between Australia and the United States, as the aircraft is being delivered through a U.S. Department of War-managed foreign military sales framework. This ensures common standards, shared support structures, and compatibility with U.S. and allied systems during joint operations.
The Peregrine is expected to play a central role in connecting these capabilities by providing real-time situational awareness and electronic support.
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