Missile-capable 'Ghost Bat' unmanned aircraft moves toward reality

Australia is advancing its MQ-28A “Ghost Bat” unmanned combat aircraft program, transitioning from prototype testing to operational capability for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). Developed by Boeing Defence Australia, the Ghost Bat is designed as a loyal wingman to operate alongside manned jets such as the F-35 Lightning II, F/A-18F Super Hornet, and E-7A Wedgetail. Its roles include extending sensor coverage, electronic warfare, intelligence gathering, and weapons deployment. A significant milestone was achieved in late 2025 when the drone successfully launched an AIM-120 AMRAAM missile during a coordinated air-to-air engagement with crewed RAAF aircraft, demonstrating its integration into complex combat scenarios. The program has received a multi-year investment of approximately A$754 million to fund additional Block 2 aircraft and the first Block 3 variant, aiming to have around ten aircraft operational by the end of the decade. Boeing recently demonstrated the MQ-28A’s capabilities in