This article is based on an official press release from the Australian Government Department of Defence and additional industry data.

RAAF Welcomes First MC-55A Peregrine: A New Era for Electronic Warfare

The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) has officially accepted the first of four MC-55A Peregrine aircraft, marking a pivotal moment in the nation’s modernization of its intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and electronic warfare (ISREW) capabilities. The aircraft touched down at RAAF Base Edinburgh in South Australia on January 24, 2026, following a trans-Pacific ferry flight.

Acquired under the multi-billion dollar Project AIR 555, the Peregrine is designed to operate in complex electromagnetic environments, providing the Australian Defence Force (ADF) with critical advantages in “grey zone” operations. According to the official announcement from the Minister for Defence, this arrival represents the first step in delivering a “first-of-type” capability that will integrate seamlessly with Australia’s existing fleet of F-35A Lightning II, E-7A Wedgetail, and P-8A Poseidon aircraft.

While the aircraft is based on a commercial business jet airframe, its internal systems allow it to act as a high-altitude network node, capable of detecting hostile emissions and sharing targeting data instantly with allied assets.

Strategic Importance and Capabilities

The MC-55A Peregrine is a highly modified Gulfstream G550, outfitted with advanced mission systems developed by L3Harris Technologies. Its primary role is to hunt for electronic signatures, such as enemy radar and communications, and build a comprehensive “electronic order of battle” for commanders.

Enhancing Deterrence

In a statement regarding the aircraft’s arrival, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, the Hon. Richard Marles MP, emphasized the strategic necessity of the platform in the current geopolitical climate.

“This advanced capability reinforces Australia’s national defence posture and contributes to deterrence… ensuring the RAAF is ready to detect, disrupt, deter, and if necessary defeat threats.”

, Hon. Richard Marles MP, Minister for Defence

The aircraft provides a sovereign capability for Australia to monitor its northern approaches and the broader Indo-Pacific region. By operating at high altitudes, the Peregrine can gather intelligence while remaining outside the range of many surface-to-air threats.

Technical Specifications

According to defence industry reports and RAAF historical data, the MC-55A offers significant performance advantages over legacy platforms. Key specifications include:

• Platform: Gulfstream G550 airframe with L3Harris mission integration.
• Service Ceiling: 51,000 feet, allowing for extended line-of-sight signal collection.
• Endurance: Approximately 14–15 hours, enabling long-range patrols without immediate refueling.
• Range: Estimated at 12,500 km (6,750 nm).

Visually, the aircraft is distinguished by a large “canoe” fairing beneath the fuselage and a bulbous tail cone, which house the sensitive antenna arrays and sensors required for its electronic warfare mission.

Operational Deployment and Timeline

The new fleet will be operated by the storied No. 10 Squadron (10SQN) at RAAF Base Edinburgh. 10SQN has a long history of maritime and electronic surveillance, having previously operated the AP-3C Orion. The transition to the MC-55A ensures the squadron remains at the forefront of electronic warfare technology.

Infrastructure and Basing

While RAAF Base Edinburgh will serve as the home base, the Peregrine is designed for expeditionary operations. Defence reports indicate that significant infrastructure upgrades, totaling approximately $294 million AUD, have been undertaken to support the aircraft. These upgrades extend to forward operating bases including RAAF Base Darwin, RAAF Base Townsville, and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, facilitating reach into the Indian Ocean and South China Sea.

Fleet Status

The arrival of the first jet (registration likely A51-003) leaves three aircraft remaining to be delivered. According to the research report, the remaining three MC-55As are currently in the United States, where they are supporting RAAF crew training and ongoing mission system testing. These aircraft are expected to be delivered progressively over the next year.

Air-Forces News Analysis

The arrival of the MC-55A Peregrine closes a critical capability gap for the ADF. Since the retirement of the specialized EW variants of the AP-3C Orion, Australia has relied heavily on allied support and interim measures for high-level electronic intelligence. The Peregrine brings this capability back in-house with a significant technological leap.

Furthermore, the “network node” aspect of the Peregrine cannot be overstated. In modern combat, the ability to fuse data from a passive sensor (like the Peregrine) and transmit it to a “shooter” (like a naval destroyer or F-35) in real-time is often the deciding factor in engagement success. This aircraft is not merely a listener; it is a force multiplier that enhances the lethality of the entire ADF combat system.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary role of the MC-55A Peregrine?

Its primary role is Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance, and Electronic Warfare (ISREW). It detects, identifies, and disrupts adversary communications and radars.

How many MC-55A aircraft has Australia ordered?

Australia has ordered a total of four aircraft under Project AIR 555.

Where will the aircraft be based?

They will be based at RAAF Base Edinburgh in Adelaide, South Australia, operated by No. 10 Squadron.

What is the estimated cost of the project?

The total approved budget for Project AIR 555 is approximately $2.4 billion AUD.

Sources

• Minister for Defence Media Release

Airbus Helicopters Reports 20% Order Surge in 2025 Amid Defense Boom

Airbus Helicopters has announced a robust performance for the full year 2025, driven by a significant rise in global defense spending and a recovering civil aviation market. According to the company’s official figures released on January 26, 2026, the manufacturer secured 544 gross orders (536 net) and delivered 392 helicopters, marking an 8.5% increase in deliveries compared to the previous year.

The results highlight a strategic pivot toward military capabilities, with the company capturing a 28% share of the military market, a notable increase fueled by geopolitical instability. Simultaneously, Airbus maintained its dominance in the civil and parapublic sectors, holding a 51% global market share. The surge in activity represents a nearly 20% increase in order intake by units year-on-year.

Operational Highlights and Strategic Wins

The 2025 fiscal year was defined by major sovereign commitments from European nations seeking to modernize their defense fleets. In the company’s press release, Airbus detailed several landmark contracts that underpinned the year’s success.

Most notably, Spain finalized a historic agreement for 100 helicopters. This comprehensive package includes H145Ms, NH90s, and the first export order for the H175M, solidifying the platform’s entry into the international military market. Other key contracts reported by Airbus include:

• Germany: An order for 20 additional H145M helicopters.
• Greece: The acquisition of 8 H215 heavy helicopters.
• United Kingdom: The National Police Air Service ordered 7 H135 units.
• Morocco: A contract for 10 H225M helicopters.

Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters, emphasized the dual strength of the company’s portfolio in a statement accompanying the release.

“Airbus Helicopters’ outstanding performance in 2025, marked by an order intake increase close to 20% in units, demonstrates that our modern civil and military portfolios are delivering the precise mission capabilities required in today’s complex environment. Our focus on defence and security has never been sharper.”

, Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters

Industry observers note that these results serve as a capstone for Even, who is scheduled to step down in April 2026 after a seven-year tenure.

AirPro News Analysis: Competitive Landscape

While Airbus has solidified its position in Europe, the broader 2025 market landscape shows intense competition driven by distinct regional strategies. Based on available industry data, Airbus’s balanced approach contrasts with its primary American competitors, who are heavily leveraging massive domestic military programs.

For instance, Sikorsky (Lockheed Martin) secured a $10.9 billion contract in late 2025 for the CH-53K King Stallion program, anchoring its revenue in heavy-lift U.S. Marine Corps requirements. Similarly, Bell (Textron) has seen revenue growth driven by the U.S. Army’s Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) program. In contrast, Leonardo Helicopters reported strong interim results with €18.2 billion in new orders over the first nine months of 2025, driven largely by export wins like the AW149.

Our analysis suggests that while U.S. manufacturers are capitalizing on singular, high-value domestic programs, Airbus is successfully executing a diversification strategy. By maintaining a 51% share of the civil market while expanding its military footprint through NATO member contracts, the company mitigates the risks associated with relying solely on defense cycles.

Technological Evolution and Future Outlook

Beyond traditional airframes, Airbus Helicopters is aggressively pursuing the integration of Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS). The company highlighted its “HTeaming” strategy, Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T), which pairs manned helicopters with drones to extend operational range and safety.

The integration of Survey Copter into its tactical portfolio signals a shift toward offering complete reconnaissance packages rather than standalone aircraft. This move aligns with the broader industry trend where customers demand multi-role assets capable of logistics, troop transport, and surveillance in contested environments.

Looking ahead, Airbus has confirmed that full-year financial results will be disclosed on February 19, 2026. Preliminary data from the first half of 2025, which showed revenues rising 16% to €3.7 billion, suggests the company is on a strong financial trajectory leading into the CEO transition.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the total number of helicopter deliveries in 2025?

Airbus Helicopters delivered 392 units in 2025, an 8.5% increase from the 361 units delivered in 2024.

How much of the market does Airbus control?

The company holds a 51% share of the global civil and parapublic market and has grown its military market share to 28%.

What is the significance of the Spanish contract?

The order for 100 helicopters from Spain is significant not only for its volume but because it includes the first export order for the H175M, expanding the reach of that specific military platform.

Sources

• Airbus Press Release

This article is based on official announcements and press releases from La Belgique au Maroc and public data.

Morocco and Sabena Engineering Forge Strategic Defense Partnership with New Benslimane Facility

In a significant move toward industrial defense sovereignty, the Kingdom of Morocco has officially launched the construction of a major military aircraft maintenance center in Benslimane. Known as Maintenance Aero Maroc (MAM), the project is a joint venture bringing together the Belgian aerospace firm Sabena Engineering (part of Orizio Group), American defense giant Lockheed Martin, and the Moroccan state-owned MEDZ.

The new facility, situated approximately 50 kilometers from Casablanca, represents a pivotal shift in Morocco’s defense strategy. By establishing domestic capabilities for heavy maintenance and modernization, the country aims to reduce its reliance on foreign MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) services while positioning itself as a regional hub for military aviation support.

A State-of-the-Art Maintenance Hub

According to official project details, the Maintenance Aero Maroc center will span approximately 9,000 square meters within a dedicated aerospace industrial zone at Benslimane Airport. Construction officially commenced with a groundbreaking ceremony in October 2025, and the facility is scheduled to become fully operational in the second half of 2026.

The site is designed to handle the Royal Moroccan Air Force’s (RMAF) most critical assets. Specifically, the center will provide comprehensive maintenance, repair, and modernization services for the Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon and the C-130 Hercules transport aircraft. Official statements indicate that the facility is built with modularity in mind, allowing for future expansion to service additional platforms, including helicopters.

Economic Impact and Workforce Development

Beyond its military utility, the project is a significant economic driver. While initial announcements highlighted the creation of over 100 skilled jobs, broader project targets aim for 300 highly skilled positions for engineers and technicians. To support this workforce, the partnership includes a strong emphasis on vocational training to ensure local staff meet the rigorous OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) standards required by Lockheed Martin.

Strategic Voices on the Partnership

The collaboration highlights the deepening ties between Morocco, Belgium, and the United States. Executives from the partner companies have emphasized that MAM is more than just infrastructure; it is a geopolitical and industrial milestone.

Stéphane Burton, CEO of Sabena Engineering, described the facility’s regional ambition in a statement:

“This project represents a strategic partnership for Sabena Engineering. It will become a center capable of serving other countries in the Mediterranean region. This facility is not just infrastructure, but a symbol of shared ambition and mutual trust between committed partners.”

Similarly, Ray Piselli, Vice President of International Business at Lockheed Martin, highlighted the long-term benefits of the joint venture:

“This collaboration goes beyond industrial capacity building. It creates skilled employment, supports Morocco’s industrial growth, and reinforces our partnership with Orizio Group, demonstrating that genuine cooperation delivers lasting security and shared prosperity.”

AirPro News Analysis

The establishment of Maintenance Aero Maroc signals a mature phase in Morocco’s defense industrial strategy. Historically a purchaser of defense equipment, Morocco is leveraging Law 10-20, which established the framework for domestic defense manufacturing, to become a sustainer and modernizer of its own fleet.

We observe that this move serves a dual purpose. Domestically, it ensures higher operational readiness for the RMAF by localizing critical maintenance cycles. Regionally, it positions Morocco as a potential exporter of MRO services to African and Mediterranean allies operating similar US-made platforms. With the backing of Lockheed Martin, the facility gains immediate credibility, potentially drawing business from other F-16 and C-130 operators in the region who seek alternatives to servicing aircraft in the US or Europe.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will the facility open?
Construction began in October 2025, and the center is expected to be fully operational by the second half of 2026.

What aircraft will be serviced there?
The primary focus is on the Lockheed Martin F-16 and C-130 Hercules, with potential future expansion into helicopters and other platforms.

Who are the partners involved?
The project is a partnership between the Moroccan State (via MEDZ), Sabena Engineering (Belgium), and Lockheed Martin (USA).

Sources

• BelgiqueMaroc (Social Media Summary)
• Sabena Engineering Official Announcements
• Lockheed Martin