Australia has committed approximately $929.3 million to expand the development and production of the MQ-28A Ghost Bat. The investment includes new contracts with Boeing Defence Australia to deliver additional aircraft and accelerate upgrades to the unmanned platform, the Australian government said Tuesday.
The latest awards cover six operational Block 2 aircraft and development of an enhanced Block 3 prototype, positioning Boeing to transition the Ghost Bat from a technology program into an operational combat asset for the Royal Australian Air Force. More than 200 Australian suppliers are supporting the effort, with government figures showing over 70 percent of spending retained domestically.
How Did the MQ-28A Ghost Bat Perform in Its First Live-Fire Weapons Test?
The investment follows a significant milestone in South Australia, where the Ghost Bat conducted its first live-fire weapons test, destroying an airborne target using an AIM-120 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile. Operating alongside an RAAF E-7A Wedgetail and F/A-18F Super Hornet, the aircraft demonstrated its role as a collaborative combat partner.
“This landmark demonstration proves the MQ-28A Ghost Bat is a world-leading collaborative combat aircraft made and designed in Australia,” said Pat Conroy, minister for defense industry. “The successful weapons demonstration underlines its growing potential to deliver an operational capability for the Royal Australian Air Force.”
The Ghost Bat program is part of a broader push to expand autonomous and uncrewed systems identified as a priority in the 2024 National Defence Strategy.
Australia plans to invest more than $6.63 billion in drone capabilities over the decade ahead, including at least $2.85 billion for uncrewed aerial systems.