MQ-28A Ghost Bat wins big after live fire
The Australian government will invest approximately $1.4 billion to transition the MQ-28A Ghost Bat into a fully operational war-fighting asset for the Australian Defence Force.
CAPTION: An Australian designed and built MQ-28A Ghost Bat fires an AIM-120 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile during Trial Kareela at RAAF Base Woomera, South Australia. RAAF image.
MQ-28A Ghost Bat is Australian-designed and manufactured, and successfully engaged an aerial target with a live weapon on 8 December 2025.
In the landmark test, Ghost Bat deployed an AIM-120 advanced medium-range air-to-air missile against an Australian-made Phoenix uncrewed aerial jet target.
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.
This announcement of additional funding, coupled with the successful live-fire test, reinforces Australia’s position at the forefront of collaborative combat aircraft (CCA) technology globally.
The latest investment includes new contracts with Boeing Defence Australia (BDA) for six operational Block 2 MQ-28A aircraft and the development of an enhanced Block 3 prototype.
Delivery of these additional Ghost Bats will lay the foundation for an operational air-combat platform capability within the Royal Australian Air Force.
Collaborative combat aircraft like the MQ-28A Ghost Bat deliver asymmetric surveillance and air combat capabilities, increasing the lethality and survivability of existing crewed platforms.
The government is investing more than $10 billion on drones over the next decade, including at least $4.3 billion on uncrewed aerial systems.
The Ghost Bat program supports more than 440 high-skilled jobs nationwide, including roles at Boeing Defence Australia and across more than 200 Australian suppliers, with 70 per cent of program expenditure directed to Australian industry.
Minister for Defence Richard Marles (who insists on being called Deputy Prime minister even when dealing directly with his Defence portfolio) said Australia was 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.
“This landmark demonstration proves the MQ-28A Ghost Bat is a world-leading collaborative combat aircraft made and designed in Australia,” Mr Marles said.
“The successful weapons demonstration underlines its growing potential to deliver an operational capability for the Royal Australian Air Force.”
Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy said that, with Ghost Bat, the future of collaborative air combat was right here, right now.
“Ghost Bat transforms a single fighter jet into a formidable team, capable not only of surveillance but also of engaging adversaries,” he said.
“This delivers a vital layer of protection for our aviators who remain our most valuable asset.
“The MQ-28A program is also building a stronger sovereign defence industry and increasing Australia’s resilience.”
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