MQ-28 Ghost Bat Drone Conducts First International Test Flights in California
Boeing’s MQ-28 Ghost Bat, an Australian-developed unmanned combat drone, completed its first international test flights from the U.S. Navy’s Point Mugu base in California. At least three flights occurred over the Pacific Ocean, validating autonomous systems and showcasing a new infrared search and track sensor. The tests aim to demonstrate design maturity for potential Pentagon and export sales, highlighting deepening U.S.-Australia defense cooperation on collaborative combat aircraft technology.
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Diehl Defence Joins German MQ-28 Ghost Bat Industry Team with Boeing
At the ILA Berlin Airshow 2026, Diehl Defence announced its partnership with Boeing as part of the German MQ-28 Ghost Bat industry team, alongside Rohde & Schwarz and Rheinmetall. The MQ-28 is an unmanned Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) designed to enhance multi-mission air combat operations. Diehl Defence will contribute weapon integration, including the IRIS-T guided missile and future air-to-air effectors, along with technical support, training, and software integration. Boeing aims to deliver the MQ-28 to the German Air Force by 2029, combining Australian and German innovation. Amy List, Vice President of Boeing Defence Australia, emphasized collaboration on development, testing, and support. Diehl Defence CEO Helmut Rauch highlighted the company's expertise in air-to-ground armament and guided missiles for Bundeswehr requirements.
CPM Defence Network – News: Verteidigung und WehrtechnikDiehl Defence Joins German MQ-28 Ghost Bat Industry Team
At the ILA Berlin Airshow 2026, Diehl Defence announced its partnership with Boeing's German MQ-28 Ghost Bat industry team, alongside Rohde & Schwarz and Rheinmetall. The MQ-28 is an unmanned Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) designed to enhance air combat operations. Diehl Defence will contribute weapon integration, including the IRIS-T guided missile and future air-to-air effectors, if selected by the German Air Force. Boeing Defence Australia leads the program, aiming to deliver the MQ-28 to the German Air Force by 2029. Amy List, Vice President of Boeing Defence Australia, emphasized combining Australian and German innovation. Helmut Rauch, CEO of Diehl Defence, highlighted the company's expertise in air-to-ground armament and guided missiles to support Bundeswehr requirements.
CPM Defence Network – News: Verteidigung und WehrtechnikBoeing Unveils Larger MQ-28 Ghost Bat Block 3 with Internal Weapons Bays
Boeing, in partnership with Germany's Rheinmetall, unveiled the MQ-28 Ghost Bat Block 3 at the ILA Berlin airshow. This third iteration of the collaborative combat aircraft (CCA) features a 25% larger wing, increased thrust (from 10,000 to 12,000 pounds), and a 2,000-pound increase in payload capacity. Critically, it adds internal weapons bays capable of carrying AIM-120 AMRAAMs or Small Diameter Bombs, preserving low-observability. The drone also gains beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) control via SATCOM, enabling independent operations at over 2,000 nautical miles. Australia has already acquired eight Block 1 prototypes, with nine Block 2 drones in production. The Block 3 is being offered to Germany and the broader European CCA market, with first aircraft construction planned for next year.
The War ZoneBoeing Unveils Larger MQ-28 Ghost Bat Block 3 with Internal Weapons Bays
Boeing has unveiled the third iteration of its MQ-28 Ghost Bat collaborative combat aircraft (CCA), the Block 3, at the ILA Berlin airshow. The new variant features a 25% larger wing, increased thrust from 10,000 to 12,000 pounds, and internal weapons bays capable of carrying AIM-120 AMRAAMs or Small Diameter Bombs. It also adds beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) control via SATCOM, enabling operation at unlimited standoff distances. The Block 3 is offered to Germany in partnership with Rheinmetall. Previous Block 1 and 2 variants have completed over 150 test sorties. The internal carriage of AIM-120s is a significant milestone for CCAs, enhancing stealth and operational flexibility.
The War ZoneBoeing Unveils Larger MQ-28 Ghost Bat Block 3 with Internal Weapons Bays
Boeing, in partnership with Rheinmetall, unveiled the MQ-28 Ghost Bat Block 3 at the ILA Berlin airshow. This third iteration of the collaborative combat aircraft (CCA) features a 25% larger wing, increased thrust from 10,000 to 12,000 pounds, and internal weapons bays capable of carrying AIM-120 AMRAAMs or Small Diameter Bombs (SDBs). The drone also gains beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) control via SATCOM, enabling operations at unlimited standoff distances. With a range over 2,000 nautical miles, the Block 3 is designed for enhanced stealth and payload flexibility. Australia has already acquired eight Block 1 prototypes, and nine Block 2 drones are in production. The Block 3 is being offered to Germany and the broader European CCA market, with first aircraft construction planned for next year.
The War ZoneRheinmetall and Boeing Launch MQ-28 Ghost Bat Combat Drone for German Air Force at ILA Berlin
At the ILA Berlin air show, Rheinmetall and Boeing Australia launched the MQ-28 Ghost Bat combat drone, offering it as an unmanned Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) for the German Air Force. The drone is already operational with the Australian armed forces. A four-partner team was announced: Boeing Australia will supply the drone initially from Australia; Rheinmetall serves as main provider and system manager for Germany, handling future German production and Germanization; Diehl Defence will manage weapons integration; and Rohde & Schwarz will integrate mission and communication systems. The goal is operational readiness by 2029, contingent on a political decision by 2027. The MQ-28 Ghost Bat is designed to escort manned fighter jets like the F-35 and Eurofighter as a Loyal Wingman.
CPM Defence Network – News: Verteidigung und WehrtechnikRheinmetall and Boeing Australia Launch MQ-28 Ghost Bat Drone for German Air Force at ILA 2026
At the ILA 2026 air show, Rheinmetall and Boeing Australia launched the MQ-28 Ghost Bat combat drone, flown directly from Australia, as an unmanned system for the German Air Force. The drone is already operational with the Australian armed forces. The team includes Boeing Australia (drone provider), Rheinmetall (system manager and future German production), Diehl Defence (weapons integration), and Rohde & Schwarz (mission and communication systems). The goal is operational readiness for the Bundeswehr by 2029, contingent on a political decision by 2027. Initial systems would be imported from Australia, with later production in Germany. The MQ-28 Ghost Bat is intended as a Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) to escort manned fighters like the F-35 and Eurofighter.
CPM Defence Network – News: Verteidigung und WehrtechnikBoeing Validates Stealth Capability of MQ-28 Ghost Bat
Boeing has validated the stealth capabilities of its MQ-28 Ghost Bat collaborative combat aircraft (CCA) following radar cross-section (RCS) tests focused on survivability and detection risks. The tests, conducted in Boeing's chamber, generated repeatable data for customers to assess vulnerability to enemy radar. The MQ-28 is an uncrewed platform designed to operate alongside crewed aircraft using autonomous systems. Boeing stated the combination of stealth, autonomy, and AI provides a decisive edge in combat. The aircraft has completed over 150 flights, including teaming with RAAF E-7A Wedgetail and F/A-18F aircraft. On December 9, 2025, the Australian government announced an investment of approximately A$1.4 billion ($930 million) for six operational Block 2 MQ-28A aircraft and a Block 3 prototype, aiming to bolster Royal Australian Air Force capacity amid regional tensions.
Airforce TechnologyBoeing Validates Stealth Capability of MQ-28 Ghost Bat
Boeing has validated the stealth capabilities of its MQ-28 Ghost Bat collaborative combat aircraft (CCA) following radar cross-section (RCS) tests. The tests, conducted in Boeing's chamber, focused on survivability and detection risks, providing customers with repeatable data to assess vulnerability to enemy radar. The MQ-28 is an uncrewed platform designed to operate alongside crewed aircraft using autonomous systems. Boeing stated the combination of stealth, autonomy, and AI provides a decisive edge in combat. The aircraft has completed over 150 flights, including teaming with RAAF E-7A Wedgetail and F/A-18F aircraft. On December 9, 2025, the Australian government announced a A$1.4 billion ($930 million) investment for six operational Block 2 MQ-28A aircraft and a Block 3 prototype, aiming to bolster the Royal Australian Air Force's operational capacity amid regional tensions.
Airforce TechnologyBoeing Validates Stealth Capability of MQ-28 Ghost Bat
Boeing has confirmed the stealth capabilities of its MQ-28 Ghost Bat collaborative combat aircraft (CCA) following radar cross-section (RCS) tests. The tests focused on assessing the aircraft's survivability and detection risks, validating its low-observability design. The MQ-28 is a drone designed to operate alongside manned fighters, and this milestone marks progress in its development for potential use by the Royal Australian Air Force and other partners.
Airforce TechnologyMQ-28 Ghost Bat Conducts Three Flights in the U.S.
Boeing has confirmed that the MQ-28 Ghost Bat, an unmanned combat aerial vehicle, has conducted three flights at the Point Mugu Sea Range in California, United States. This marks the first time the aircraft has flown outside of Australia, where it was initially developed and tested. The flights represent a significant expansion of the MQ-28's testing program, potentially indicating closer collaboration between the U.S. and Australia on advanced drone technology. The MQ-28 is designed for teaming with manned aircraft and performing intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions.
RealClearDefense - HomepageAustralian MQ-28 Ghost Bat Drone Completes First Operational Flights in the U.S.
The Australian MQ-28 Ghost Bat drone, developed by Boeing Australia, has completed its first operational flights in the United States, according to Army Recognition. This marks a significant milestone for the unmanned aircraft, which is designed for collaborative combat missions with manned fighters. The flights took place at an undisclosed U.S. location, demonstrating the drone's advanced capabilities and interoperability with American systems. The MQ-28 is part of Australia's Loyal Wingman program, aimed at enhancing air combat effectiveness through autonomous drone support. The successful U.S. deployment underscores deepening defense cooperation between Australia and the United States, particularly in cutting-edge military technology.
"site:armyrecognition.com" - Google NewsAustralian MQ-28 Ghost Bat Drone Completes First Operational Flights in the U.S.
The Australian MQ-28 Ghost Bat drone, developed by Boeing Australia, has completed its first operational flights in the United States, according to Army Recognition. This marks a significant milestone for the unmanned aircraft, which is designed for collaborative combat missions with manned fighters. The flights took place at an undisclosed U.S. location, demonstrating the drone's advanced capabilities and interoperability with American systems. The MQ-28 is part of Australia's Loyal Wingman program, aimed at enhancing air combat effectiveness through autonomous drone support. The successful U.S. tests underscore deepening defense cooperation between Australia and the United States, particularly in unmanned aerial systems and next-generation warfare technology.
"site:armyrecognition.com" - Google NewsMQ-28 Ghost Bat Conducts Test Flights Over Pacific from U.S. Navy Base
Boeing is conducting test flights of its MQ-28 Ghost Bat drone from the U.S. Navy's base at Point Mugu, California, flying over the Pacific Ocean. The company states the tests aim to demonstrate the aircraft's design maturity and promote export sales to international customers, including potential Pentagon acquisitions. The MQ-28 has flown at least three times within the Point Mugu Sea Range, marking its first international operations in allied airspace. The testing location is notable given Boeing's involvement in the U.S. Navy's carrier-based Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) plans. The drone seen in recent footage features a two-tone gray livery and an infrared search and track (IRST) sensor system, differing from earlier paint schemes. The U.S. Air Force has previously used at least one MQ-28 for autonomy development efforts.
The War ZoneMQ-28 Ghost Bat Conducts International Test Flights from U.S. Navy Base in California
Boeing is conducting test flights of its MQ-28 Ghost Bat drone from the U.S. Navy's base at Point Mugu, California, marking the aircraft's first international operations in allied airspace. The company aims to demonstrate the design's maturity and promote export sales, including potential interest from the Pentagon. At least three flights have occurred within the Point Mugu Sea Range off southern California. The testing location is notable given Boeing's involvement in the U.S. Navy's carrier-based Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) plans. The MQ-28 seen in recent footage features a two-tone gray livery and an infrared search and track (IRST) sensor system, differing from an earlier example seen in a video of Secretary Pete Hegseth's December visit to the base. Boeing says the tests validate autonomous systems while following required airspace and safety approvals.
The War ZoneMQ-28 Ghost Bat Conducts International Flight Tests from U.S. Navy Base in California
Boeing is conducting test flights of its MQ-28 Ghost Bat drone from the U.S. Navy's base at Point Mugu, California, marking the aircraft's first international operations in allied airspace. The company aims to demonstrate the design's maturity and promote export sales to international customers, including potential Pentagon acquisitions. At least three flights have occurred within the Point Mugu Sea Range off southern California. The testing validates autonomous systems while adhering to airspace and safety regulations. Notably, the MQ-28 now features an infrared search and track (IRST) sensor system in its nose, a change from earlier paint schemes. The location is significant given Boeing's involvement in the U.S. Navy's carrier-based Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) plans. The U.S. Air Force has previously used at least one MQ-28 for autonomy development efforts.
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