WASHINGTON – The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) hasn’t even taken delivery of its new MC-55A Peregrine aircraft, and they’re already getting an upgrade. The U.S. Senate’s export committee has approved a Baseline 2 upgrade package for all four ordered jets — a deal worth $404 million.
The MC-55A Peregrine is a heavily modified Gulfstream G550 business jet, fitted by L3Harris with advanced mission systems and sensors for Airborne Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance, and Electronic Warfare (AISREW).
Once in service, the four Peregrines will operate from RAAF Base Edinburgh and play a crucial role in electronic warfare under “complex electromagnetic” conditions. They’ll work alongside Australia’s F-35A Lightning II fighters, E-7A Wedgetail airborne early warning aircraft, and EA-18G Growler electronic attack jets.
The U.S. approved the export of these aircraft back in June 2017. The first MC-55A is expected to arrive in Australia later this year — now with extra capabilities baked in from day one.
