Boeing MQ-28 Ghost Bat

The Boeing MQ-28 is a new uncrewed aircraft using artificial intelligence to be that force multiplier. It’s designed to work as a smart team with existing military aircraft to complement and extend airborne missions.

The MQ-28 has enough capability to get the job done – from ISR to tactical early warning and more – but with a low-cost design that allows operators to confidently put it on the front line.

The RAAF initially planned to buy three Airpower Teaming System (ATS) systems, as part of the Loyal Wingman Advanced Development Program (LWADP).

After a full-scale mock-up was revealed at the 2019 Avalon Airshow, the first real aircraft achieved a power-on of its systems in March 2020 and was rolled out in May 2020 by Boeing Australia with the release of images showing a detailed prototype of the aircraft and a video to illustrate the drone's operational abilities. In May 2022, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said "This is a truly historic moment for our country and Australian defence innovation. The Loyal Wingman will be pivotal to exploring the critical capabilities our Air Force needs to protect our nation and its allies into the future."

The Boeing Airpower Teaming System (ATS) prototype moved under its power for the first time in October 2020, conducting low-speed taxi tests at RAAF Base Amberley. The Boeing Airpower Teaming System later performed a high-speed taxi test at an unnamed remote location in December 2020.

The first test flight of the prototype occurred at RAAF Base Woomera on 27 February 2021.

An official naming ceremony was held at RAAF Base Amberley on 21 March 2022 to announce the Loyal Wingman would be known as the MQ-28A Ghost Bat in RAAF service, named after an Australian bat found in northern parts of the Australian continent.

Boeing Australia, supported by the Royal Australian Air Force and a local industry team, has produced the first military aircraft to be designed, manufactured and flown in Australia in over 50 years.

MQ-28 Ghost Bat development vehicles continue to be manufactured at Boeing’s Fisherman Bend facility in Victoria.

The first flight of MQ-28 Ghost Bat was achieved in February 2021, with the test program expanding the flight envelope as the program evolves.

The Boeing MQ-28 will provide a disruptive advantage for allied forces’ crewed and uncrewed missions. It will:

    Provide fighter-like performance, measuring 38 feet long (11.7m) and able to fly more than 2,000 nautical miles.

    Integrate sensor packages onboard to support intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, tactical early warning missions and more.

    Use artificial intelligence to fly independently or in support of crewed aircraft while maintaining a safe distance between other aircraft.