Overview
- The government will sign contracts with Boeing Australia for six Block 2 MQ-28A aircraft to transition the program from prototype to operational service.
- The commitment forms part of more than $10 billion planned for drones over the next decade, including over $4 billion for uncrewed aerial systems.
- In 2025 demonstrations, a single operator aboard an E-7A Wedgetail controlled two MQ-28As, new sensor payloads were integrated, and the aircraft operated from RAAF Base Tindal beyond Woomera.
- A Ghost Bat reportedly fired an air-to-air missile at an aerial target during recent exercises, according to unnamed sources not authorised to speak publicly.
- The aircraft is Australia’s first locally designed combat platform in more than 50 years and the program supports hundreds of skilled jobs across more than 35 domestic suppliers.