Overview
- Boeing announced Monday that Radar Cross Section (RCS) testing on an MQ-28 produced repeatable data indicating reduced radar detectability and supporting the company's claim of improved survivability.
- RCS testing measures how much radar energy an aircraft reflects back to a radar receiver, and Boeing says the results will inform procurement, certification, tactics and countermeasure choices.
- The stealth claim follows a run of operational milestones, including a December 2025 live-fire demonstration using an AIM-120 AMRAAM with E-7 and F/A-18F teaming and three Point Mugu test flights in May 2026.
- Boeing frames the RCS result as strengthening the MQ-28's role as a 'loyal wingman' that uses autonomy, AI and modular payloads for ISR, electronic warfare and weapons support, but the company has not released quantitative RCS figures or full test details.
- Developed by Boeing Defence Australia with Phantom Works Australia since 2017, the MQ-28 has logged more than 150 flights and now faces next steps including formal certification, allied operational evaluations and potential export decisions.