MQ-28A Ghost Bat: Australia’s uncrewed collaborative combat aircraft enters production

Australia is turning MQ-28A Ghost Bat into a production programme. The government has committed A$1.4 billion for six Block 2 aircraft and one Block 3 example. An AMRAAM engagement against an aerial target, plus trials in which an E-7A controlled two Ghost Bats, show the shift from aerodynamic experimentation toward an armed, networked collaborative system.

Architecture and the interchangeable mission nose

Boeing’s design combines an uncrewed jet platform with a replaceable nose section. Sensor and mission payloads are intended to change without redesigning the entire aircraft. Modularity promises rapid evolution, but real certification depends on power, cooling, software assurance, electromagnetic compatibility and flight safety—not simply swapping a physical module.

Autonomy and control

Ghost Bat is intended to navigate in formation, maintain separation and perform tasks with limited operator workload. The E-7A demonstration showed control of multiple aircraft from a crewed platform. Autonomy does not remove human responsibility for force. Rules of engagement, target decisions and weapon release remain human command functions even when software executes manoeuvres.

From sensor support to an armed role

The successful AMRAAM trial makes an air-combat role more credible alongside sensing and electronic support. One test does not prove fleet readiness or combat effectiveness. Integration demands secure target data, safe weapon separation, identification and procedures for lost links. The first Block 2 aircraft is planned by the end of 2026; Block 3 will advance maturity further.

Industry and strategic autonomy

MQ-28 is Australia’s most significant indigenous combat-aircraft effort in decades, developed with Boeing Australia. Local work builds knowledge in composites, autonomy and mission software. Engines, weapons and parts of the supply chain remain international. Japanese and British cooperation signals interest, but should not be reported as a completed export sale.

Editorial assessment

Ghost Bat is compelling because Australia is testing useful capabilities in blocks rather than waiting for a perfect autonomous fighter. Operational value will depend less on headline performance than availability, cost per mission and safe integration with crewed forces. The AMRAAM test is a milestone; repeated fleet operations will be the real examination.

Primary sources and method

This assessment uses official government, armed-forces and manufacturer material. Missing data are not replaced with estimates.

• Australian Defence Ministers – MQ-28 production and AMRAAM test
• Australian Department of Defence – E-7A controls two Ghost Bats

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