The US Department of State has decided to approve a potential foreign military sale (FMS) to the Australian Government for the Baseline 2 upgrade of the MC-55A “Peregrine” and its related equipment at an estimated cost of 404 million dollars.
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has issued the required certification, notifying Congress of this potential sale.
The Australian Request
The Australian Government has requested the purchase of equipment and services to support the maintenance of its fleet of MC-55A aircraft, which includes major and minor modifications; spare parts; consumable materials and accessories; repair and return support; the services of American government and contractor engineering; technical and logistical support services; and other related elements of logistics and program support.
This proposed sale would enhance Australia’s ability to maintain its fleet of MC-55A aircraft and would bolster its ability to conduct effective air operations whilst also supporting US operations in the region.
The prime contractor will be L3Harris Technologies, based in Greenville, Texas.
The Peregrine Program of the Royal Australian Air Force
The RAAF program plans for the purchase of four MC-55A Airborne Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance and Electronic Warfare (AISREW) aircraft, valued at 2.46 billion Australian dollars under Project AIR 555 Phase 1.
The aircraft platform is composed of the Gulfstream G550 jet after modifications by L3Harris Technologies. This company manages the program as the chief contractor and plans to convert two pairs of these aircraft.
The G550 can fly for 15 hours at a speed of about 600 miles per hour with a service ceiling of 51,000 feet.
The MC-55A Peregrine will be assigned to the 10th Squadron of the RAAF in 2025-26 to carry out Electronic Warfare duties, reconnaissance, surveillance, and control of areas of interest for operations in complex electromagnetic environments.
The Peregrines will be stationed at the RAAF Base Edinburgh, where the main line Operation and Maintenance Center will be created. There are also planned adaptations and arrangements for the operations of these aircraft at other bases, thereby increasing their availability and operational efficiency.
Source: US Department of Defense (US DoD)
Photo credit: @SR Planespotter via X social network platform
