Overview
- Canberra will sign contracts with Boeing Australia for an initial six Block 2 aircraft, moving the home-grown MQ-28A from prototype to an operational loyal wingman role.
- Unnamed sources reported the drone conducted a successful air-to-air missile firing in undisclosed exercises, a milestone said to have preceded the announcement.
- The MQ-28A is the first combat aircraft designed, engineered and manufactured in Australia in more than 50 years, with advanced sensors and an expected range exceeding 3,700 kilometres.
- The move sits within more than $10 billion planned for drones over the next decade, including over $4 billion for uncrewed aerial systems and a separate $1.7 billion buy of Ghost Shark underwater drones.
- ASPI analysts welcomed progress but warned current numbers and costs may fall short of needs, as AUSMIN discussions and an AUKUS review shape potential follow-on purchases and export prospects.