Boeing MQ-28 Ghost Bat
Stealth loyal wingman drone designed for autonomous and crewed teaming.
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HoHo3143 · CC BY-SA 4.0
The Boeing MQ-28 Ghost Bat, originally called the Boeing Airpower Teaming System (ATS), is a stealthy, multirole drone being built by Boeing Australia for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). It acts as a force multiplier, able to fly alongside crewed aircraft as a "loyal wingman" within an integrated system that includes space-based assets, or carry out autonomous missions on its own using artificial intelligence. This is the first combat aircraft designed and developed in Australia in more than fifty years.
Testing and other possible uses
By October 2024, eight Block 1 aircraft had been built, logging over 100 flight-test hours. Operational tests occur about every three months at the RAAF Woomera Test Range Complex, with one to three sorties per day, including night flights.
The drone has also operated from RAAF Base Tindal, demonstrating it can be deployed from a Boeing C-17 Globemaster III and controlled by an airborne Boeing E-7 Wedgetail. Three additional Block 2 airframes, with an improved wing and GPS/INS, are slated for production by 2025. In December 2025, plans were announced for six more Block 2 airframes and development of an enhanced Block 3 prototype.
Design
As of 2025, the aircraft are designed and built in Melbourne at Boeing Australia, with future production planned in Wellcamp, Toowoomba. The wing is Boeing’s largest resin-infused single composite component, using electromechanical actuators and controllers for the primary flight control system. The aircraft features a modular, swappable mission nose package.
Development
In February 2019, Boeing stated that manufacturing location would depend on the market, but the Ghost Bat remains a sovereign Australian program, produced only in Australia with the RAAF as lead partner. On 4 November 2021, Boeing Australia announced construction of its fifth aircraft had begun in Melbourne. On 26 March 2024, it announced the start of earthworks for a 9,000-square-metre factory complex, the Wellcamp Aerospace and Defence Precinct, in partnership with Wagners. This facility was first announced by the Queensland Premier on 21 September 2021.
At a naming ceremony on 21 March 2022 at RAAF Base Amberley, the Loyal Wingman was officially designated the MQ-28A Ghost Bat, after an Australian bat known for hunting in packs—reflecting the drone’s sensor and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities.
Background
The MQ-28 Ghost Bat was officially named at RAAF Base Amberley on 21 March 2022, after an Australian bat known for teaming together in a pack to detect and hunt, reflecting the aircraft's sensors and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance abilities. The RAAF initially planned to buy three Airpower Teaming System systems as part of the Loyal Wingman Advanced Development Program, with the order later increased to six. As of May 2023, the Australian government confirmed funding for 10 aircraft for the RAAF, not including three prototypes not owned by the government. In February 2024, an additional A$400 million was announced for three more aircraft built to the Block 2 standard, with improvements to the wing, GPS, sensors, mission payloads, integrated combat system and autonomous systems.
The first prototype achieved power-on in March 2020 and was rolled out in May 2020. The engine was powered up for the first time in September 2020, and low-speed taxi tests occurred in October 2020 at RAAF Base Amberley. The first test flight took place at RAAF Base Woomera on 27 February 2021. As of October 2024, eight Block 1 vehicles had been built with more than 100 hours of flight testing, including night flights.
Operational tests occurred at RAAF Woomera Range Complex approximately every three months, with one to three sorties daily. The aircraft has been operated from RAAF Base Tindal and demonstrated deployment from a Boeing C-17 Globemaster III and control by an airborne Boeing E-7 Wedgetail. Three additional Block 2 airframes were to be produced by 2025, and in December 2025 it was announced that a further six Block 2 airframes would be produced and development would start on an enhanced Block 3 prototype.
The aircraft is designed and built in Melbourne at Boeing Australia, with future production planned in Wellcamp, Toowoomba. The wing is Boeing's largest resin-infused single composite component, featuring electromechanical actuators and controllers for the primary flight control system, and the aircraft has a modular, swappable mission nose package system. In July 2024, the Australian Assistant Minister for Defence clarified that there is an option to arm the UAV in the future in addition to its reconnaissance and surveillance roles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What combat role does the MQ-28 Ghost Bat fill?
It serves as a 'loyal wingman,' slotting into a broader integrated network that can include space-based sensors and manned aircraft. It can also operate on its own as an autonomous force multiplier, extending the RAAF's reach without putting a pilot at risk.
When did the MQ-28 Ghost Bat first fly and how many airframes exist?
The prototype completed its maiden flight on 27 February 2021. By October 2024, eight Block 1 vehicles had been assembled and had accumulated more than 100 hours of flight-test time.
Why is the MQ-28 Ghost Bat a landmark for Australian defence?
It is the first combat aircraft designed and developed on Australian soil in over fifty years. Its dual mode—teaming with crewed jets or flying autonomously—positions Australia at the forefront of next-generation unmanned airpower.
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Sources
Compiled from Wikipedia and the sources listed below. Text from Wikipedia is available under CC BY-SA 4.0; this entry is adapted from it.
- Wikipedia: Boeing MQ-28 Ghost Bat (CC BY-SA 4.0).
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