Royal AU Air Force successfully flies MQ-28A Ghost Bat outside training area

The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) has reached another milestone with the Boeing MQ-28A Ghost Bat by flying it outside the training area for the first time.

The flight, which took place on June 21, 2025, was done under Exercise Carlsbad, part of a series of test events throughout 2025 that will mature and exhibit the capabilities of the MQ-28A.

The RAAF said that Exercise Carlsbad tested how to deploy and redeploy the MQ-28A and successfully operate in an unfamiliar environment.

Flight of the Ghost Bat! The MQ-28A Ghost Bat achieved first flight outside of Woomera Training area during Exercise Carlsbad.Ghost Bat is the first military aircraft designed and built in Australia in more than 50 years. #YourADF pic.twitter.com/mO3Y0upyB6— Defence Australia (@DefenceAust) June 21, 2025 Prior to this exercise, the MQ-28A Ghost Bat’s operations had been contained within the Woomera Training Area in South Australia, the exclusive operating location for the multirole aerial vehicle. 

“This is a huge achievement of the collaborative work between the Royal Australian Air Force and Boeing Defence Australia,” said Exercise Carlsbad Commander Wing Commander, Phillip Parsons. 

“Our success has also been due to ongoing work with the Collaborative Autonomous Systems Project Office, Air Force Headquarters, Air Warfare Center, and the local base squadrons at RAAF Base Tindal – 75 Squadron, 17 Squadron and 9 Squadron,” Parsons added.

Developed by Boeing Australia for the RAAF, the MQ-28A is an uncrewed aircraft that has the ability to team with crewed platforms performing mission roles and responsibilities typical of fighter aircraft. It is capable of complementing and extending airborne missions while increasing situational awareness and survivability. 

According to the RAAF, the MQ-28A project is exploring advances in technology that will provide new opportunities for innovation and military advantage, providing a unique perspective for the Australian Defence Force to generate, employ and sustain military power.  

The MQ-28A is the first military aircraft designed in Australia in more than 50 years. Three more MQ-28A Block 2 aircraft, with enhanced design and improved capability as well as a ground control station, are expected to be delivered to the RAAF.

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