RAAF buys four MC-55A Peregrine – for $2.46billion
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Minister for Defence Christopher Pyne and Minister for Defence Industry Linda Reynolds today announced the acquisition of four modified Gulfstream G550 aircraft – to be designated the MC-55A Peregrine – for the Royal Australian Air Force.
Minister Pyne said the $2.46 billion acquisition would enable Defence to actively strengthen electronic warfare support to naval, air and land forces for operations in complex electromagnetic environments.
“Peregrine is a new airborne electronic warfare capability that will be integrated into Defence’s joint warfighting networks, providing a critical link between platforms, including the F-35A Joint Strike Fighter, E-7A Wedgetail, EA-18G Growler, Navy’s surface combatants and amphibious assault ships and ground assets to support the warfighter,” Minister Pyne said.
“The aircraft will be based at RAAF Base Edinburgh in South Australia – yet another piece in a broader Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance precinct being developed at the Super Base, which is already home to our Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft.
“RAAF Base Edinburgh will also serve as the headquarters for our unmanned Tritons and armed unmanned Reaper variant.
“This capability and the people who operate it will bring Air Force a step closer to becoming a fully networked fifth-generation force and further exploit the joint combat multiplier effects on exercises and operations,” Minister Pyne said.
Minister Reynolds said about $425 million from this project would be spent with Australian companies during the acquisition phase of the project, including $257 million to be invested in new facilities at RAAF Base Edinburgh.
“There will be further significant opportunities for Australian industry, estimated to be over $2 billion, in the sustainment of the aircraft over the 25 years life-of-type,” Minister Reynolds said.
RELATED STORY: Gulfstream G550 electronic warfare aircraft approved for sale to Australia
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If there is so much concern about the Indian Ocean, would it not be a good idea to keep on the existing AP-3c Orion’s? We have 18 of them and still all very relevant to current capabilities, proven in the Philippines recently.
Why is it we are being fed potential drama? Is it another new fleet of planes or drones or just more tax payers dollars feeding an inexhaustible desire for more kit?.