Overview
- Exercise officials confirmed that a production‑representative Boeing MQ‑28 Ghost Bat is flying with U.S. and allied forces during Valiant Shield to test operational use of uncrewed fighters.
- The aircraft is being used as a "loyal wingman" to fly alongside crewed fighters in defensive and offensive counter‑air roles as forces work out teaming tactics and procedures.
- Boeing and partners have moved the program forward with design and test milestones that include a Block 3 configuration reveal, radar cross‑section testing, and a prior live AIM‑120 missile engagement reported by the company.
- U.S. services have not formally selected the MQ‑28 for purchase, and officials say the exercise will feed data into ongoing Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) requirements and procurement decisions.
- Valiant Shield is a large, multinational Pacific exercise focused on integrated air, sea, land, space and cyber operations, and the MQ‑28’s presence was first noted publicly after local residents posted images from a static display on Rota Island.