Australian Defence Upgrades with Luxury Jet Model
The Royal Australian Air Force is set to operate a fleet of sophisticated aircraft that share their design with one of the world's most exclusive private jets. The MC-55A Peregrine, which Australia will eventually acquire four of, is modelled directly on the Gulfstream G550 business jet. This particular aircraft model has become a status symbol among the global elite, owned by numerous billionaires and high-profile figures.
From Private Luxury to Military Intelligence
While the Gulfstream G550 serves as a luxurious mode of transport for individuals like Elon Musk, Oprah Winfrey, media mogul Rupert Murdoch, billionaire hedge fund manager Bill Ackman and Google co-founder Larry Page, its military variant brings different capabilities to the table. The MC-55A Peregrine has been specifically adapted for defence purposes, leveraging the aircraft's impressive endurance and adaptable design to house advanced intelligence-gathering technology.
Defence Minister Richard Marles emphasised the strategic importance of this acquisition, stating: "The introduction of the MC-55A Peregrine represents a significant step forward in strengthening Australia's ability to monitor and protect its strategic interests, including key maritime approaches."
Global Military Adoption and Australian Implementation
Australia is not alone in recognising the potential of this platform for military applications. Several nations, including Israel and Italy, have already incorporated variants of the Gulfstream 550 into their defence fleets in recent years. Germany's aerospace centre operates one for atmospheric and carbon cycle research, demonstrating the versatility of this aircraft design.
The Australian Defence Force will utilise the Peregrine for delivering complex intelligence through its first-of-its-kind long-range surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities. This advanced system enables earlier detection of potential threats across Australia's vast strategic approaches.
Project Air 555 and Acquisition Details
These aircraft are being acquired under Phase 1 of Defence's Project Air 555, representing an investment exceeding $2.3 billion in upgrading the Air Force's surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities. This substantial enhancement was first planned back in 2014 and is now coming to fruition.
The United States Air Force is delivering the aircraft to Australia through a foreign military sales arrangement. Following delivery, contractor L3Harris Technologies in Texas performs the specialised fitting-out process to prepare the aircraft for their intelligence-gathering role.
Arrival and Integration into Australian Operations
The first MC-55A arrived at Edinburgh RAAF base in South Australia during January 2026, following a journey from the L3Harris factory that included stopovers in Guam and Hawaii. This aircraft will be operated by Australia's Number 10 Squadron and will work alongside existing platforms such as the P-8A Poseidon and MQ-4C Triton, which the Defence Force already employs for maritime surveillance.
While the remaining three MC-55A Peregrines destined for Australia are scheduled for delivery throughout this year, specific arrival dates remain classified information that will not be publicly released. This secrecy reflects the sensitive nature of these intelligence-gathering assets and their importance to national security.
