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 summarizes reporting by Reuters.

Indonesia Receives First Batch of Rafale F4 Fighter Jets

The Indonesian Air Force (TNI-AU) has officially entered a new era of air capability with the arrival of its first three Dassault Rafale fighter jets. According to reporting by Reuters and official statements from the Indonesian Ministry of Defense, the aircraft landed at Roesmin Nurjadin Air Base in Pekanbaru, Riau province, marking the first physical delivery from a landmark $8.1 billion agreement signed in 2022.

The delivery, confirmed on January 26, 2026, represents the commencement of a 42-aircraft acquisition designed to modernize Indonesia’s air defense infrastructure. Defense Ministry spokesperson Brigadier General Rico Ricardo Sirait confirmed the arrival, noting that the jets had physically touched down the preceding Friday. This initial batch includes the advanced F4 standard variant, a configuration that integrates the latest connectivity and sensor upgrades available from the French manufacturers Dassault Aviation.

Delivery Specifications and Operational Readiness

The first three aircraft to arrive include at least one twin-seat Rafale B model, identified by the registration number T-0301. These jets are stationed at the Roesmin Nurjadin Air Base on Sumatra, a strategic location facing the Malacca Strait and the South China Sea. The arrival follows a comprehensive training program initiated in 2025, where a cadre of four Indonesian pilots and 12 engineers underwent instruction at the Saint-Dizier Air Base in France.

According to data regarding the acquisition, the deal is a “turnkey” solution. Beyond the airframes, the $8.1 billion contract encompasses a full weapons package, pilot and technician training, logistics support, and several full-mission simulators to ensure immediate operational integration.

French-Indonesian Partnership

French officials have highlighted the delivery as a major milestone in bilateral relations. In remarks surrounding the event, French Ambassador Fabien Penone emphasized the interoperability between the two nations’ Air-Forces.

“France is happy to see that Indonesia will soon operate similar arms as Paris.”

Fabien Penone, French Ambassador to Indonesia

Dassault Aviation Senior Vice President Frédéric Baup also characterized the delivery as a reflection of the trust placed in French technology to support Indonesia’s defense sovereignty.

Strategic Context: The Minimum Essential Force

This acquisition is a critical component of Indonesia’s “Minimum Essential Force” (MEF) strategy. The TNI-AU is currently in the process of phasing out aging platforms, such as the Northrop F-5 Tiger, while supplementing its existing mixed fleet of American F-16s and Russian Su-27/30 Flankers. The move to acquire Rafales signals a strategic diversification of suppliers, reducing Jakarta’s historical reliance on any single power bloc.

The procurement is also driven by the geopolitical climate in the Indo-Pacific. Indonesia faces ongoing maritime sovereignty challenges, particularly in the North Natuna Sea. The deployment of advanced “omnirole” fighters capable of air superiority and deep-strike missions is seen as a deterrent in a region characterized by rising tensions.

AirPro News Analysis

The arrival of the Rafale F4 standard is not merely a fleet update; it represents a fundamental shift in the Indonesian Air Force’s doctrine. Previous acquisitions often mixed Eastern and Western hardware, creating logistical complexities. By committing to 42 Rafales of the F4 standard, Indonesia is standardizing on a network-centric warfare platform.

The F4 standard brings the Thales RBE2 AESA radar and the SPECTRA electronic warfare suite, providing a level of situational awareness and survivability previously unavailable to the TNI-AU. Furthermore, the integration of the Meteor Beyond-Visual-Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM) creates a significant “no-escape zone” capability that alters the balance of power in contested airspace. This shift suggests Jakarta is prioritizing technological qualitative superiority over sheer quantity.

Technical Capabilities and Future Timeline

The delivered jets feature the Thales RBE2 AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) Radar-Systems, which allows for the early detection and tracking of multiple targets simultaneously. The aircraft are also equipped with the SPECTRA suite, offering 360-degree threat detection and jamming capabilities.

In terms of armaments, the fleet is capable of deploying:

• Air-to-Air: Meteor BVRAAM and MICA missiles.
• Strike: SCALP stealth cruise missiles for deep-strike missions.
• Maritime: Exocet AM39 missiles for anti-ship operations.

Following this initial delivery, the remaining 39 aircraft are scheduled to arrive in batches over the coming years. Three additional units are expected later in 2026. The contract also includes offset agreements intended to benefit Indonesia’s domestic defense industry, specifically PT Dirgantara Indonesia, through technology transfer and maintenance cooperation.

Sources

Sources: Reuters