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Boeing Defence Australia’s MQ-28 Ghost Bat loyal wingman platform has successfully completed 100 test flights, in a major milestone for the program.
The cutting-edge Ghost Bat flight test program is set to culminate in a series of high-profile demonstrations later this year, with the MQ-28 teaming up with crewed assets such as the E-7 and F-35 to undertake missions that mirror real-world operations.
This latest phase marks the 100th flight block of the program, during which the aircraft sported its new operational paint scheme – making its debut at the Avalon International Airshow in Australia. This fresh livery symbolises the maturation of a project that has been steadily evolving to meet the future needs of collaborative combat and integrated network operations.
Boeing Defense, Space & Security interim president and CEO Steve Parker announced the milestone at the 2025 Avalon Airshow, stating, “This milestone demonstrates the maturity of our program in a growing market and is a testament to Boeing’s groundbreaking lead in developing collaborative combat aircraft capabilities for current and future applications.”
The Ghost Bat program, formally known as the MQ-28 Ghost Bat, is part of a broader drive to enhance Australia’s strategic and operational capabilities in the realm of unmanned combat aircraft.
Developed in close collaboration with the Royal Australian Air Force, the Ghost Bat is designed to provide advanced intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, as well as precision strike capabilities. It is set to play a pivotal role in future joint operations, working seamlessly with both manned and unmanned assets to deliver an integrated combat solution.
The upcoming demonstration flights will see the MQ-28 operating alongside crewed platforms, a move aimed at validating its ability to execute complex, multi-domain missions. These trials are expected to not only showcase the aircraft’s agility and advanced sensor suite but also its capacity for real-time data sharing and operational collaboration – critical features in today’s dynamic threat environment.
The program’s progress is a significant indicator of Australia’s commitment to maintaining a technological edge in defence, reducing reliance on legacy systems, and bolstering its domestic aerospace and defence industry.
As the Ghost Bat continues to evolve, it is poised to become a cornerstone of future air combat operations, exemplifying the successful integration of cutting-edge unmanned technology with traditional crewed platforms.
