Defence awards $30m to Fujitsu for Peregrine aircraft IT work

Defence has handed $29.8 million to Fujitsu for IT work around its new fleet of MC-55A Peregrine aircraft.

The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) ordered four Peregrine aircraft in 2019, as part of AIR555, under which a next-generation airborne intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and electronic warfare (ISREW) capability is being assembled.

Fujitsu has now been contracted to provide integration and support services for project AIR555 between October 1 2024 and December 31 2026.

iTnews understands that Fujitsu's contract will cover design, integration, security accreditation, testing and go-live of the aircraft's IT elements.

Specifically, this will include the integration of the aircraft into networks, mission system security accreditation, facilities IT design and capability support.

Additionally, the contract will cover in-project support to the interim operating facility at the RAAF Base Edinburgh, north of Adelaide.

Defence was unable to comment on the contract due to the project’s classified status.

Costing $2.46 billion, AIR555 is said to be a "critical enabler for the Australian Defence Force’s (ADF) fifth generation war fighting platforms" and will conduct routine and rapid surveillance [pdf].