RAAF Declares IOC for MQ-4C Triton ISR and MC-55A Peregrine SIGINT Aircraft, Expanding Five Eyes ISR Coverage

The Royal Australian Air Force declared Initial Operational Capability for its MQ-4C Triton unmanned ISR aircraft and MC-55A Peregrine SIGINT/electronic warfare aircraft on September 22, according to an Australian Department of Defence statement 1. Three of four Tritons have been delivered and are based at RAAF Base Tindal under No. 9 Squadron, with the final aircraft due in 2028; three of four Peregrines are operating from RAAF Base Edinburgh under No. 10 Squadron, with the fourth expected by year's end 2. Defence also confirmed the 14th and final P-8A Poseidon arrived in May, completing that fleet, and that the first two Poseidons have finished Increment 3 Block 2 upgrades in the US, with the remaining 12 to be modified at Edinburgh's new $200 million Deep Maintenance and Modification Facility 23. Acting Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles said the government is investing approximately $5.5 billion over the decade in ISR and maritime patrol capability, part of roughly $2 billion in South Australian defence industry activity in the past financial year centered on RAAF Base Edinburgh 23.