The U.S. State Department has given the green light for a Baseline 2 upgrade for Australia’s MC-55A intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and electronic warfare (ISREW) aircraft, teeming with significant implications for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). This move comes as part of Australia’s request to purchase necessary equipment and services to maintain its fleet of MC-55A “Peregrine” aircraft.
The proposed foreign military sale, pending approval by the U.S. Congress, carries an estimated cost of $404 million. The acquisition is expected to enhance Australia’s operational capabilities, particularly in air operations, while also strengthening U.S. military operations in the region. According to the Pentagon’s Defense Security Cooperation Agency, this initiative will bolster Australia’s capacity to effectively maintain its MC-55A fleet.
L3Harris, based in Texas, is set to serve as the principal contractor for this ambitious project, although it is worth noting that no offset agreement has been proposed in conjunction with the sale.
However, the introduction of the Baseline 2 upgrade is likely to lead to further delays in the delivery schedule for the aircraft. The Royal Australian Air Force has ordered four MC-55As, with the first unit anticipated to arrive this year. Originally scheduled for delivery in 2023, the timeline has already been extended by two years, primarily due to extensive modifications required for the Gulfstream G550 business jet platform on which the MC-55A is built.
This next-generation platform is not just an enhancement but aims to replace retired AP-3C Orion aircraft, which were phased out in December 2023. Acquired under Project Air 555 Phase 1, it is expected to serve as a critical component in the Australian Defence Force’s (ADF) fifth-generation warfighting capabilities. The aircraft will conduct routine and rapid surveillance, providing real-time threat warnings and intelligence support, as well as facilitating intelligence mission data production.
A spokesperson from the Australian Department of Defence emphasized that this upgrade will significantly increase electronic warfare (EW) capabilities, allowing the ADF to navigate complex electromagnetic environments more effectively. By fusing diverse inputs across the electromagnetic spectrum, situational awareness is set to improve not only for Australia’s defence forces but also for its allies and partners. The comprehensive A$2.34 billion investment in this program also aims to upgrade existing E/A-18G Growler electronic warfare aircraft, further solidifying Australia’s strategic military stance.
