Royal Australian Air Force [RAAF] News, Discussions and Updates

ADMk2

Just a bloke
Staff member
Verified Defense Pro
Australia – MC-55A Baseline 2 Upgrade

Media/Public Contact: [email protected]
Transmittal No. 25-50

What will become a regular cycle for this particular platform , I suspect…


WASHINGTON, August 6, 2025 - The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Australia of MC-55A Baseline 2 Upgrade and related equipment for an estimated cost of $404 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress.

The Government of Australia has requested to buy equipment and services to support maintenance of its MC-55A aircraft fleet, to include major and minor modifications; spare parts; consumables and accessories; repair and return support; U.S. government and contractor engineering; technical, and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated total cost is $404 million.
 

hauritz

Well-Known Member
It looks like the technology is changing rapidly as they are funding upgrade equipment before the aircraft are delivered to the RAAF. 10 Sqn has been waiting a long time for these aircraft.

ASD News RAAF MC-55A Peregrine Baseline 2
It is the times we are in. Technological advancements and our strategic environment are evolving so quickly that a piece of military hardware can almost be rendered obsolete before it even comes off the production line.
 

Morgo

Well-Known Member
It looks like Spain is cancelling their F35 order, and India are cancelling F35s and P8s.

Opportunity for us to take those production slots and get a rapid capability boost?
 

Pusser01

The Bunker Group
Verified Defense Pro
It looks like Spain is cancelling their F35 order, and India are cancelling F35s and P8s.

Opportunity for us to take those production slots and get a rapid capability boost?
Spain & India have never actually ordered the F-35. Spain had showed some interest in the F-35B to replace their Harriers & the F-35 had been offered to India. India currently operates 12 P-8's and had been in talks about purchasing another 6. It is these talks that have been suspended, there wasn't actually an order in place. Cheers.
 

Stampede

Well-Known Member
Spain & India have never actually ordered the F-35. Spain had showed some interest in the F-35B to replace their Harriers & the F-35 had been offered to India. India currently operates 12 P-8's and had been in talks about purchasing another 6. It is these talks that have been suspended, there wasn't actually an order in place. Cheers.
Any update as to when the RAAF will receive the last two P-8’s to bring the total fleet up to 14

Regards S
 

John Fedup

The Bunker Group
The other delivery slot that might become available is Canada. Although cancelling our order wouldn't be a good move for the RCAF, the anti-Trump mood here is making this outcome very acceptable to many here. Canada is obligated for the first batch of 16 out of 88. Would the US allow Canada to sell the 16 to Australia or another user?
 

Stampede

Well-Known Member
The other delivery slot that might become available is Canada. Although cancelling our order wouldn't be a good move for the RCAF, the anti-Trump mood here is making this outcome very acceptable to many here. Canada is obligated for the first batch of 16 out of 88. Would the US allow Canada to sell the 16 to Australia or another user?
I get the political sentiment but what would be an alternative aircraft.
The P-8 is still a very good platform.
I wish the RAAF were getting plane 15 and 16

Cheers S


Regards S
 

John Fedup

The Bunker Group
I get the political sentiment but what would be an alternative aircraft.
The P-8 is still a very good platform.
I wish the RAAF were getting plane 15 and 16

Cheers S


Regards S
For the F-35, there is no good alternative for Canada to select IMHO. I don't believe our P-8 order is under review, just the F-35.
 

hauritz

Well-Known Member
I would be interested in F-35s if we were expanding our F-35 fleet, but as an Rhino replacement I think we should hold off until we evaluate some of the 6th gen alternatives.
 

John Fedup

The Bunker Group
6th Gen alternatives limited to the F-47 and Tempest and both will be in high demand by the builders. FCAS is far away if ever and F/A XX appears not to be happening.
 
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