Australian MQ28 Drone Demonstrates Air Power Boost in Swarm Flight with Single Operator Control
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According to information released by the Australian Department of Defence on June 16, 2025, the MQ-28A Ghost Bat autonomous drone has reached a significant milestone in its development, marking a pivotal moment for the country’s military aviation industry. This achievement follows a one billion Australian dollar investment by the Albanese government to support this new generation of combat drones. During the most recent test conducted at Woomera, a single operator aboard an E-7A Wedgetail successfully controlled two Ghost Bat aircraft to carry out a coordinated mission against an airborne target.Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
The MQ-28 Ghost Bat is an uncrewed collaborative combat aircraft intended to function as a force multiplier in multi-mission air operations (Picture source: Boeing)
Developed jointly by Boeing Defence Australia and the Royal Australian Air Force, the MQ-28A is designed as a “loyal wingman” capable of operating alongside crewed aircraft such as the F/A-18, EA-18G, F-35A, and the E-7 Wedgetail. Equipped with advanced autonomous systems, it can perform complex tactical roles while collecting, processing, and sharing sensor data with other aerial platforms. To date, eight Block 1 aircraft have been produced, accumulating over 100 flight hours, which validated the airframe design and communication links.
The MQ-28 Ghost Bat is an uncrewed collaborative combat aircraft intended to function as a force multiplier in multi-mission air operations. Measuring 11.7 meters in length, it is capable of reconnaissance, electronic warfare, surveillance, and tactical support missions. It incorporates advanced autonomous technologies and a modular architecture that enables the rapid integration of mission-specific payloads. The aircraft is manufactured in Australia by Boeing using composite materials and digital manufacturing processes such as shimless assembly and robotic drilling, significantly reducing production costs. With an emphasis on passive stealth and interoperability with manned platforms, the Ghost Bat represents a new operational approach to the integration of drones into modern air forces.
Since early 2024, development efforts have focused on mission systems, with promising results in interoperability. Three Block 2 units with enhanced capabilities have been produced, representing the first operational capability standard. A final assembly line is planned at Wellcamp Airport near Toowoomba, with production scheduled to begin in 2028. Boeing is also exploring potential export opportunities, positioning the Ghost Bat as a pioneer in the emerging market for collaborative combat drones.
The program supports 350 high-skilled jobs and involves more than 200 national suppliers, reflecting Australia’s intent to strengthen its sovereign industrial defense base. The government is also investing more than 10 billion Australian dollars in autonomous systems, including 4.3 billion specifically for aerial platforms, as outlined in the 2024 National Defence Strategy.
The operational use of the MQ-28A Ghost Bat is part of a broader strategic shift in Australia’s air defense posture. As a collaborative combat drone, the Ghost Bat is designed to operate alongside crewed aircraft in complex missions, enhancing the Royal Australian Air Force’s strike, surveillance, and electronic warfare capabilities while reducing the exposure of pilots to high-risk environments. With the ability to fly in swarms or in tandem with platforms like the F-35A or EA-18G Growler, it can play a key role in overwhelming enemy defenses, conducting early target detection, or disrupting command networks. Its modular configuration allows for rapid adaptation to mission requirements, including intelligence gathering, early warning, or electronic disruption. Integrated within a networked air system, the Ghost Bat serves as a strategic force multiplier, aligned with the operational demands of the Indo-Pacific region where Australia aims to enhance its denial and deterrence capabilities. This system reflects a new combat doctrine where artificial intelligence and tactical autonomy reinforce the lethality and resilience of Australian forces in the face of evolving threats.
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According to information released by the Australian Department of Defence on June 16, 2025, the MQ-28A Ghost Bat autonomous drone has reached a significant milestone in its development, marking a pivotal moment for the country’s military aviation industry. This achievement follows a one billion Australian dollar investment by the Albanese government to support this new generation of combat drones. During the most recent test conducted at Woomera, a single operator aboard an E-7A Wedgetail successfully controlled two Ghost Bat aircraft to carry out a coordinated mission against an airborne target.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
The MQ-28 Ghost Bat is an uncrewed collaborative combat aircraft intended to function as a force multiplier in multi-mission air operations (Picture source: Boeing)
Developed jointly by Boeing Defence Australia and the Royal Australian Air Force, the MQ-28A is designed as a “loyal wingman” capable of operating alongside crewed aircraft such as the F/A-18, EA-18G, F-35A, and the E-7 Wedgetail. Equipped with advanced autonomous systems, it can perform complex tactical roles while collecting, processing, and sharing sensor data with other aerial platforms. To date, eight Block 1 aircraft have been produced, accumulating over 100 flight hours, which validated the airframe design and communication links.
The MQ-28 Ghost Bat is an uncrewed collaborative combat aircraft intended to function as a force multiplier in multi-mission air operations. Measuring 11.7 meters in length, it is capable of reconnaissance, electronic warfare, surveillance, and tactical support missions. It incorporates advanced autonomous technologies and a modular architecture that enables the rapid integration of mission-specific payloads. The aircraft is manufactured in Australia by Boeing using composite materials and digital manufacturing processes such as shimless assembly and robotic drilling, significantly reducing production costs. With an emphasis on passive stealth and interoperability with manned platforms, the Ghost Bat represents a new operational approach to the integration of drones into modern air forces.
Since early 2024, development efforts have focused on mission systems, with promising results in interoperability. Three Block 2 units with enhanced capabilities have been produced, representing the first operational capability standard. A final assembly line is planned at Wellcamp Airport near Toowoomba, with production scheduled to begin in 2028. Boeing is also exploring potential export opportunities, positioning the Ghost Bat as a pioneer in the emerging market for collaborative combat drones.
The program supports 350 high-skilled jobs and involves more than 200 national suppliers, reflecting Australia’s intent to strengthen its sovereign industrial defense base. The government is also investing more than 10 billion Australian dollars in autonomous systems, including 4.3 billion specifically for aerial platforms, as outlined in the 2024 National Defence Strategy.
The operational use of the MQ-28A Ghost Bat is part of a broader strategic shift in Australia’s air defense posture. As a collaborative combat drone, the Ghost Bat is designed to operate alongside crewed aircraft in complex missions, enhancing the Royal Australian Air Force’s strike, surveillance, and electronic warfare capabilities while reducing the exposure of pilots to high-risk environments. With the ability to fly in swarms or in tandem with platforms like the F-35A or EA-18G Growler, it can play a key role in overwhelming enemy defenses, conducting early target detection, or disrupting command networks. Its modular configuration allows for rapid adaptation to mission requirements, including intelligence gathering, early warning, or electronic disruption. Integrated within a networked air system, the Ghost Bat serves as a strategic force multiplier, aligned with the operational demands of the Indo-Pacific region where Australia aims to enhance its denial and deterrence capabilities. This system reflects a new combat doctrine where artificial intelligence and tactical autonomy reinforce the lethality and resilience of Australian forces in the face of evolving threats.
