The Australian Government has confirmed it will invest approximately $1.4 billion to advance the Australian-designed and manufactured MQ-28A Ghost Bat, aiming to transition the collaborative combat aircraft into full operational capability for the Royal Australian Air Force.
In a media release, the Defence Department said the MQ-28A, also known as a Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA), recently achieved a major milestone by successfully engaging an aerial target with a live AIM-120 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile against an Australian-made Phoenix Jet Uncrewed Aerial Target at the Woomera Test Range in South Australia.
The government noted the aircraft operated alongside a Royal Australian Air Force E-7A Wedgetail and an F/A-18F Super Hornet during the trial.
Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles, speaking on behalf of the Australian Government, said the demonstration highlighted the country’s leadership in autonomous combat aircraft development.
“Australia is at the forefront of efforts to develop and field autonomous collaborative combat aircraft to provide asymmetric advantage and enhanced fighting depth for existing crewed platforms,” he said.
“This landmark demonstration proves the MQ-28A Ghost Bat is a world-leading collaborative combat aircraft made and designed in Australia. The successful weapons demonstration underlines its growing potential to deliver an operational capability for the Royal Australian Air Force.”
The government confirmed that the latest funding will include contracts with Boeing Defence Australia for six operational Block 2 MQ-28A aircraft and the development of an enhanced Block 3 prototype.
It also noted the program supports more than 440 high-skilled jobs across Boeing and more than 200 Australian suppliers, with roughly 70 per cent of expenditure directed to domestic industry.
Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy, in comments attributed to the government, emphasised the program’s contribution to sovereign defence capability.
“With Ghost Bat, the future of collaborative air combat is right here, right now. [The] announcement highlights that Australia is leading the world in the development of collaborative combat aircraft,” he said.
“The MQ-28A program is also building a stronger sovereign defence industry and increasing Australia’s resilience, providing high-tech, high-paying jobs for Australians.”
The Australian Government confirmed it plans to invest more than $10 billion in drones over the next decade, including at least $4.3 billion on uncrewed aerial systems.
According to the government, collaborative combat aircraft such as the MQ-28A are intended to enhance the lethality and survivability of existing crewed platforms, delivering asymmetric surveillance and air combat capabilities in line with the 2024 National Defence Strategy.
