Australia invests extra A$1.4 billion in MQ-28A Ghost Bat after successful missile fire test
The MQ-28A Ghost Bat missile firing tests took place at the Woomera Range Complex. (Photo: Boeing Defence Australia)
The investment includes new contracts for six MQ-28A Ghost Bat aircraft, as well as provisional funds to invest in the development of a Block 3 prototype.
Australia has said it will invest A$1.4 billion (US$930 million) with Boeing Defence Australia to transition the MQ-28A Ghost Bat into a “fully operational war-fighting asset” for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF).
The investment includes contracts for six Block 2 MQ-28A Ghost Bat aircraft, as well as funding for the development of a Block 3 prototype.
The contract decision follows Boeing successfully completing its first missile fire test using an AIM-120 AMRAAM missile from the MQ-28A against a drone target.
According to Boeing, the mission involved teaming between the MQ-28A, E-7A and the F/A-18F Super Hornet, with the E-7A
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
![What might next-generation military aircrew training look like?]()
What might next-generation military aircrew training look like?
Changing roles for combat aircraft fleets, the rise of simulation and LVC technologies, and the increasing cost of flight hours could all be leading to a paradigm shift in military pilot training.
-
![2025 air market review: European defence independence, next-gen tech and export concerns dominate]()
2025 air market review: European defence independence, next-gen tech and export concerns dominate
This year’s (geo)political turmoil has challenged many long-prevailing assumptions, leading to far-reaching consequences for air forces and their supplier bases in industry worldwide – with five key trends in review for 2025.
-
![Portugal signals interest in establishing A-29N final assembly line]()
Portugal signals interest in establishing A-29N final assembly line
As the launch customer for the NATO-configured variant, Portugal also took delivery of the first five A-29N aircraft from its order for 12, placed in 2024.
-
![Podcast: Critical Care episode 5 - Sustaining Europe’s frontline from Heidelberg]()
Podcast: Critical Care episode 5 - Sustaining Europe’s frontline from Heidelberg
As Europe ramps up defence investment in the wake of the Ukraine crisis, the spotlight is turning to how nations sustain their growing fleets.
