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?
Read this Article
Get access to this article with a Free Basic Account
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 2 free stories per week
- Daily news round-up email service
- Access to all Decisive Edge email newsletters
Unlimited Access
Access to all our premium news as a Premium News 365 Member. Corporate subscriptions available.
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 14-day free trial (cancel at any time)
- Unlimited access to all published premium news
More from Air Warfare
-
![Philippines grows its S-70i fleet with 10 new deliveries]()
Philippines grows its S-70i fleet with 10 new deliveries
The 10 helicopters delivered throughout 2024 make up part of a larger contract for 32 Sikorsky Black Hawk helicopters for the country.
-
![Airbus delivers two H225M Caracals to France]()
Airbus delivers two H225M Caracals to France
The Airbus rotorcraft will replace the French Air Force’s Puma helicopters, following the initial contract signing in 2021.
-
![Lithuania to send an extra 4,500 drones to Ukraine despite delivery delays]()
Lithuania to send an extra 4,500 drones to Ukraine despite delivery delays
According to local media sources, thousands of drones destined for Ukraine are currently stuck in warehouses due to bureaucratic delays.
