The United States government has authorized the potential sale of a support and upgrade package for the future MC-55A Peregrine electronic warfare and signals intelligence (EW/SIGINT) aircraft that will equip the Royal Australian Air Force. This was revealed in one of the most recent notifications from the Department of State to the U.S. Congress, seeking approval for the US$404 million transaction through the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) Program.
In order to strengthen its airborne electronic warfare and signals intelligence capabilities, the Royal Australian Air Force began various efforts years ago under the AIR 555 Program.
The program was formally launched in August 2016, followed by multiple authorizations and approvals from the U.S. government to provide specific equipment. Following the global trend, the RAAF selected the Gulfstream G-550 business jet as the future platform that would serve as the basis for the MC-55A Peregrin.
According to reports, the Australian government has moved forward with the procurement of four aircraft, which will be modified to install and integrate specialized equipment, such as a powerful AESA radar, as well as a full suite of systems focused on intercepting, collecting, and analyzing signals intelligence (COMINT/ELINT). Other equipment will be intended for surveillance, intelligence, and reconnaissance missions, with a particular focus on monitoring Australia’s maritime spaces.
To date, the program is surrounded by great secrecy, given the highly specialized and intelligence-related functions the future MC-55As will perform. Nevertheless, as noted by the spotter community, various test and evaluation flights have been recorded for one of the aircraft slated for delivery during 2025.
With all these precedents, on August 6, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) confirmed that the Australian government had requested from the United States the purchase of a support and equipment package related to the Baseline 2 upgrade for the new aircraft. The transaction, valued at the aforementioned US$404 million, names L3 Harris as the main contractor and includes minor aircraft modifications, consumables and accessories, as well as technical and logistical support from the manufacturer for sustaining the MC-55A fleet.
The Department of State stated: “This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States. Australia is one of our most important allies in the Western Pacific. The strategic location of this political and economic power significantly contributes to ensuring peace and economic stability in the region. It is vital to the U.S. national interest to help our ally develop and maintain a strong and ready self-defense capability.”
They added: “The proposed sale will enhance Australia’s ability to maintain its MC-55A aircraft fleet, which will strengthen its capacity to conduct effective aerial operations and support U.S. operations in the region. Australia will have no difficulty absorbing these articles and services into its Armed Forces.”
Cover photo credits: @SR_Planespotter.
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