Sydney, December 10 - In a landmark move for Australia's defence capabilities, the government has inked a A$1.4 billion contract with Boeing Defence Australia for six operational MQ-28A Ghost Bat drones, marking the transition of this homegrown stealthy "loyal wingman" into full production. Dubbed the first military aircraft designed and built in Australia in over half a century, the Ghost Bat represents a quantum leap in unmanned aerial systems (UAS), blending artificial intelligence with collaborative combat aircraft (CCA) technology to enhance the Royal Australian Air Force's (RAAF) air superiority. Announced amid heightened Indo-Pacific tensions, this procurement, coupled with a $10 billion decade-long investment in drones, underscores Canberra's push toward sovereign defence manufacturing, with 70% of funds funneled to local suppliers and over 440 high-skilled jobs bolstered nationwide. As the Sydney Morning Herald first reported, the deal coincides with U.S.-Australia ministerial talks in Washington, where allies pledged joint hypersonic missile production and expanded American bomber rotations, signaling a unified front against regional threats.
The Ghost Bat, named after the nocturnal predator native to Australia's outback, is engineered for endurance and versatility, boasting a staggering range exceeding 3,700 kilometers, enough to patrol vast maritime zones from the Coral Sea to the Indian Ocean. Unlike traditional drones, this jet-powered marvel operates as a force multiplier, teaming with crewed platforms like the F-35 Lightning II or E-7A Wedgetail to execute intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), and strike missions. Its modular design allows for rapid sensor swaps or weapon integration, making it a scalable asset in contested airspace. Boeing's Toowoomba facility in Queensland will ramp up assembly by 2027, transforming conceptual prototypes into battlefield-ready units that promise to redefine air warfare without risking pilots. This Australian-made innovation not only fortifies national security but also positions the country as a global exporter of cutting-edge UAS technology.
Fresh off a groundbreaking live-fire demonstration at the Woomera test range, the Ghost Bat proved its lethal edge by launching an AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM) to neutralize an aerial target drone. In a synchronized "crewed-uncrewed teaming" exercise, the MQ-28A seamlessly coordinated with an E-7A early warning aircraft and F/A-18F Super Hornet fighter, showcasing autonomous decision-making that outpaces human reflexes. Boeing's Global Program Director Glen Ferguson hailed it as "the first time an autonomous aircraft has completed an air-to-air weapon engagement," cementing the Ghost Bat's maturity as a combat-capable CCA. Defence Minister Richard Marles emphasized its "growing potential" for the RAAF, with Block 2 models incorporating internal weapons bays for stealthier operations and Block 3 prototypes eyeing even advanced payloads by 2028.
Yet, the path to these skies wasn't without peril. During a high-stakes trial earlier this year, a targeted pilot in the mock adversary drone witnessed his life flash before his eyes as the Ghost Bat's missile streaked in with unerring precision, the near-miss evoking the raw terror of modern dogfights. This visceral reminder highlights the ethical tightrope of drone warfare: empowering forces while demanding rigorous safeguards against escalation. As Australia deploys its initial six Ghost Bats, the world watches a pioneering fusion of ingenuity and intensity, where Australian defence drones like the MQ-28A don't just fly, they haunt the horizon, ensuring peace through unmatched prowess.
