The Royal Australian Air Force demonstrated the capabilities of its new MQ-28 Ghost Bat collaborative combat drone

Por

17 September, 2025

The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) and Boeing Defence Australia have successfully completed a series of demonstrations validating the operational effectiveness of the new MQ-28 Ghost Bat collaborative combat drone, the first designed and built in Australia in more than half a century. The tests, carried out under the framework of Capability Demonstration 2025, were completed four months ahead of schedule and confirmed that the system is capable of executing operationally relevant missions.

The MQ-28 Ghost Bat is a collaborative combat aircraft (CCA) UCAV designed to operate alongside manned aircraft, providing reconnaissance, electronic warfare, and strike capabilities, with a range of over 3,700 km. Its introduction aligns with Australia’s National Defence Strategy, which prioritizes an integrated, technologically advanced air force capable of projecting power in an increasingly competitive strategic environment.

The MQ-28 Ghost Bat program is progressing in parallel with local production in Toowoomba, Queensland, where Boeing has established a 9,000-square-foot facility equipped for carbon-fiber composite manufacturing, advanced robotic assembly, and final testing. The initial contract, signed in February 2024, covers 13 Block II units worth $400 million, with the first three already in production. This assembly line will not only supply the RAAF but will also serve as an export platform for allied air forces in the Indo-Pacific region.

In June 2025, the MQ-28A Ghost Bat carried out its first deployment outside the Woomera test range, participating in Exercise Carlsbad in the Northern Territory. Transported aboard a C-17A Globemaster III from the Australian International Airshow, the drone was assembled, tested, and flown in just seven days, demonstrating its rapid deployment capability and adaptability to unfamiliar environments.

This operational milestone confirmed that the Ghost Bat can be integrated into real-world scenarios alongside the F/A-18F Super Hornet, EA-18G Growler, E-7A Wedgetail, and F-35A Lightning II, extending the reach and survivability of the Australian Air Force.

Finally, Glen Ferguson, Global Program Director for the MQ-28, stated: “The RAAF set out to test the first four steps of the MQ-28 air combat chain, and we achieved that ahead of schedule.” He added: “Completing this work early allows us to accelerate the next phases of development (combat and evaluation), with an air-to-air weapon release planned for late this year or early 2026.”