Canberra promises to multiply MQ-28A Ghost Bats
The first MQ-28A Ghost Bat prototype, what Boeing refers to as the Airpower Teaming System, is seen lined up on a runway. (Boeing Defence Australia)
The current Australian government is promising to accelerate development of the Loyal Wingman project for the RAAF.
Incumbent Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison promised investment in 'a further seven' MQ-28A Ghost Bat UAVs for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) whilst on the campaign trail ahead of the federal election on 21 May.
Acceleration of this programme would cost A$454 million ($319.3 million), adding to the A$155 million already allocated for six MQ-28As in March 2021.
In fact, there is an overlap in these figures. The first three aircraft are prototypes belonging to Boeing Defence Australia, whereas the balance of three plus the extra seven will now result in ten Ghost Bats for the RAAF.
Defence Minister Peter Dutton stated,
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
![Airbus to fly new CUAS UAV prototype this year]()
Airbus to fly new CUAS UAV prototype this year
The counter-UAS prototype, named Low-cost Air Defence or ‘LOAD’, will be used to combat kamikaze UAS.
-
![Taiwan receives first F-16 Block 70/72 aircraft]()
Taiwan receives first F-16 Block 70/72 aircraft
The aircraft is the first of 66 to be delivered to Taiwan from Lockheed Martin.
-
![Boeing to remanufacture five more US Army MH-47G Block II Chinooks]()
Boeing to remanufacture five more US Army MH-47G Block II Chinooks
The contract award, worth $240 million, is part of the ongoing effort by the US Army to modernise its Block II Chinook rotorcraft fleet.
