Overview
- The initial Peregrine arrived at RAAF Base Edinburgh on Jan. 22 after a multi‑leg ferry from Texas and was photographed bearing U.S. registration N584GA.
- It is the first of four aircraft for Project AIR 555, with three remaining in U.S. custody to support RAAF training and pre‑delivery requirements after the first jet was handed over by the U.S. Air Force.
- Defence leaders describe the platform as delivering long‑range ISR and electronic warfare effects to detect, disrupt, deter and, if required, defeat threats.
- The aircraft will network with Australian and allied assets such as P‑8A Poseidon, MQ‑4C Triton, F‑35A, E‑7A Wedgetail and EA‑18G Growler to enhance intelligence sharing with partners including the United Kingdom and United States.
- The program stems from 2017 U.S. export approval and a 2019 A$1.6 billion acquisition, with L3Harris establishing in‑country support and planned software and hardware upgrades, including a DSCA‑notified Baseline 2 package.