MQ-28 Ghost Bat

MQ-28 Ghost Bat overview

The MQ-28 Ghost Bat is an autonomous unmanned combat aircraft developed by Boeing Australia as part of the Airpower Teaming System (ATS) program, formerly known as the Loyal Wingman. Named after the Australian ghost bat, it was the first military combat aircraft designed and built in Australia in over 50 years. First flown in February 2021, the MQ-28 is designed to operate autonomously alongside manned fighter aircraft like the F/A-18F Super Hornet and F-35A Lightning II, providing additional sensor coverage, electronic warfare capability, and weapons carriage.

The MQ-28 features a modular nose section that can be swapped to accommodate different mission payloads, including ISR sensors, electronic warfare suites, and weapons. At approximately 11.7 meters in length, it is comparable in size to a manned fighter. As of 2025, the Royal Australian Air Force has ordered multiple aircraft for operational testing, and the United States Air Force has also expressed interest. The Ghost Bat's significance lies in being one of the most advanced loyal wingman programs worldwide, demonstrating the viability of AI-driven autonomous combat aircraft that can multiply the effectiveness of manned fighter formations.

Armament

Air-to-air missiles, bombs (modular internal bay)

Development and operational timeline

1. Feb 2021MQ-28 (Loyal Wingman) completes maiden flight in Australia
2. Mar 2022Officially named Ghost Bat and designated MQ-28A by RAAF
3. Feb 2023Third test aircraft begins flight trials with expanded envelope
4. Jan 2024USAF orders MQ-28 for Collaborative Combat Aircraft evaluation
5. Oct 2024Ghost Bat demonstrates autonomous formation with F-35A