Image courtesy: Boeing Australia / Australian Department of Defence
MQ-28 Ghost Bat: Australia’s First Loyal Wingman Drone
Learn how Australia’s MQ-28 Ghost Bat is redefining air combat with AI, stealth, and loyal wingman capabilities. Developed by Boeing and the Royal Australian Air Force, this UCAV marks a major milestone in drone warfare.
Introduction
The MQ-28 Ghost Bat is Australia’s first indigenously developed unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV), designed to operate alongside manned aircraft as a “loyal wingman.” Developed by Boeing Australia in partnership with the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), this cutting-edge drone represents a major leap in autonomous air combat technology.
What Makes the MQ-28 Unique?
The Ghost Bat is not just another drone—it’s designed to think, decide, and act alongside piloted jets. Using artificial intelligence (AI), it can carry out ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance), electronic warfare, and strike missions with limited human input.
- AI Integration: Capable of autonomous flight and decision-making in contested airspace.
- Modular Payloads: Configurable for multiple missions—sensor pods, weapons, or jamming equipment.
- Stealth Design: Low-observable airframe reduces radar cross-section.
- Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T): Designed to operate in tandem with fighters like the F-35 and F/A-18.
Specifications (Estimated)
| Feature | Value |
|---|---|
| Length | 11.7 meters |
| Range | 2,000+ km |
| Top Speed | ~ Mach 0.8 |
| Operational Role | ISR, EW, Strike, Escort |
| Communication | Encrypted data link |
Strategic Significance
The MQ-28 Ghost Bat places Australia among the few nations developing loyal wingman-type drones. It enhances survivability for manned aircraft by flying ahead or flanking them, gathering data, or even engaging threats first. For the Indo-Pacific region, where contested airspace and long ranges dominate strategy, the Ghost Bat provides a flexible and scalable force multiplier.
Development & Deployment
- 2019: Boeing announces partnership with RAAF for a loyal wingman project.
- 2020–2021: First prototypes tested in Australia.
- 2022: Official naming as “Ghost Bat.”
- 2023–2025: Initial deployment and export readiness phase.
Final Thoughts
With the MQ-28 Ghost Bat, Australia is not only securing its airspace but also redefining how air forces operate in the 21st century. AI, stealth, and unmanned teaming are no longer futuristic concepts—they’re flying today, and Ghost Bat is leading the way.
Keywords
- MQ-28 Ghost Bat
- loyal wingman drone
- Boeing Australia UAV
- RAAF unmanned aircraft
- autonomous combat drone
