Boeing hints at Meteor missiles, expanded weapon options for MQ-28 Ghost Bat

It was the aircraft’s first appearance at the event held in Hampshire, United Kingdom.

“The MQ-28 has been developed using open mission systems and government reference architecture,” a Boeing spokesperson said.

“This allows for sovereign payloads, which can be customer-owned or country-specific sensors, weapons, or mission systems that a government may choose to integrate onto the platform.

“MQ-28’s modular and flexible design supports integration of such payloads; exact integration approaches are determined in coordination with the customer and in compliance with export controls and national security requirements.”

Crucially, an Australian-designed and manufactured MQ-28A Ghost Bat deployed an AIM-120 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile against an Australian-made Phoenix Jet uncrewed aerial target late last year.

That aircraft, operating as a loyal wingman to a Royal Australian Air Force E-7A Wedgetail and an F/A-18F Super Hornet, the MQ-28A Ghost Bat destroyed the airborne target during trials at the Woomera Test Range in South Australia.

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“It takes a global team to bring MQ-28 to the world. Our industry partners and suppliers support our current capability, future development, and sovereignty requirements,” a public statement from Boeing said.

“We’ve announced three European industry teammates; Leonardo provides an advanced infrared search and track system, fitted to the MQ-28’s modular nose.

“Eaton will develop the specialised ejector system for the internal payload of the advanced capability configuration. HENSOLDT to strengthen our German industry team, bringing expertise in sensor systems integration.

“Building the future of MQ-28 together.”

Earlier this year, at the ILA Berlin Air Show in Germany, it was revealed that there has been a significant expansion of the MQ-28 Ghost Bat’s combat capabilities.

The upgrades include an enlarged wingspan, 25 per cent larger than the current configuration, that lifts the platform’s maximum take-off weight from 10,000 pounds (approximately 4,500 kilograms) to 12,000 pounds (approximately 5,400kg) and pushes useful load beyond 4,500 pounds (approximately 2,000kg).

The additional capacity allows the aircraft to carry up to an extra 2,000 pounds (approximately 900kg) of fuel, stores or mission payloads, giving operators the ability to trade off endurance against weapons carriage depending on the mission.

Internally, the Ghost Bat can now be configured to carry two Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles or four small diameter bombs, with provision for three external weapons stations if additional firepower is required.

Robert Dougherty

Robert is a senior journalist who has previously worked for Seven West Media in Western Australia, as well as Fairfax Media and Australian Community Media in New South Wales. He has produced national headlines, photography and videography of emergency services, business, community, defence and government news across Australia. Robert graduated with a Bachelor of Arts, Majoring in Public Relations and Journalism at Curtin University, attended student exchange program with Fudan University and holds Tier 1 General Advice certification for Kaplan Professional. Reach out via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or via LinkedIn.