DefenseBoeing MQ-28 Ghost Bat completes public demonstration flight in Australia
The Boeing MQ-28 Ghost Bat conducted a public demonstration flight at the Woomera test range in Australia on September 5, 2025, with two unmmaned aircraft participating in the event. The demonstration showcased progress in the Royal Australian Air Force’s (RAAF) integration of autonomous systems into its operational planning.
Journalists traveled to the remote Woomera site aboard a Royal Australian Air Force C-27J transport aircraft to witness the demonstration. The MQ-28 prototypes have now accumulated 150 hours of test flights, complemented by over 20,000 hours of virtual simulations, according to Boeing.
During the event, two MQ-28s operated in coordination, highlighting recent advances in multi-aircraft operations and data sharing between unmanned and crewed platforms. The MQ-28 is designed to operate autonomously alongside manned fighter jets, providing additional capabilities and reducing risks to pilots.
Boeing’s program director for the MQ-28, Glen Ferguson, stated that the first four steps of the air combat chain were completed ahead of schedule. This includes completing capability demonstration missions four months earlier than initially planned, which validated core operational features of the MQ-28.
Technical milestones and future plans
The flight demonstration is part of a broader test campaign for the MQ-28 program. Three Block 2 Ghost Bat aircraft are currently in production by Boeing Defense Australia for advanced testing phases. Upcoming trials will include the first air-to-air missile launch from the MQ-28, using a Raytheon AIM-120, scheduled for late 2025 or early 2026.
The verified autonomous capabilities demonstrated to date will be integrated into the Block 2 aircraft now under construction. The MQ-28 is being considered as a key component of future force structures for the RAAF and allied partners, reflecting ongoing efforts to modernize air combat operations.
Next steps for the program will focus on expanding weapons integration and operational evaluation, with the aim of further validating the MQ-28’s role within mixed manned-unmanned air combat teams.
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