Australia Invests $1.4B to Boost Ghost Bat Drone Program Following First Live-fire Test

The Australian Government will invest about $1.4 billion to accelerate its collaborative air capabilities, confirming the MQ-28A Ghost Bat will move into a fully operational combat role for the Australian Defence Force.

The funding announcement follows the platform’s first live-fire success. During trials at the Woomera Test Range in South Australia, the MQ-28A Ghost Bat fired an AIM-120 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile at an Australian-made Phoenix Jet Uncrewed Aerial Target. Operating alongside a Royal Australian Air Force E-7A Wedgetail and an F/A-18F Super Hornet, the drone destroyed the airborne target.

The new investment includes contracts with Boeing Defence Australia for six Block 2 MQ-28A aircraft and the development of a Block 3 prototype. These aircraft will form the foundation of an operational air combat platform within the Air Force.

The MQ-28A program is part of the Government’s broader commitment of more than $10 billion over the next decade for drone-related capabilities, including at least $4.3 billion for uncrewed aerial systems. Of this total, $1 billion is allocated to the Ghost Bat program.

Built by Boeing Australia, the MQ-28A is an autonomous, modular, fighter-like drone designed to operate as a loyal wingman. It features 11.7m length, 7.3m wingspan, range of about 3,700km, high subsonic speed, stealth-shaped design, and an internal bay for sensors, electronic warfare packages, or weapons. The aircraft uses artificial intelligence for autonomous flight and multi-mission support.

In June, Australia recorded another test milestone when a single E-7A Wedgetail operator controlled two MQ-28A Ghost Bats in a simulated engagement at Woomera. It was the first time an operator directed dual uncrewed combat aircraft in-flight.