Boeing’s Ghost Bat clocks up the milestones and progresses as Saab Australia gets on board
The first flight of MQ-28 Ghost Bat uncrewed aerial system, then called Loyal Wingman, took place in February 2021. (Photo: Boeing)
More than 100 hours of physical flight have taken place since the first flight of MQ-28 Ghost Bat uncrewed aerial system (UAS) four years ago and this has been underpinned by approximately 20,000 hours of flying the digital twin.
Saab Australia has joined Boeing’s Ghost Team Australia and will provide communications systems and avionics equipment as the Ghost Bat UAS builds up flight hours and progresses on Capability Demonstration 2025.
Systems provided by Saab Australia will include the TactiCall Communications Solution, including user terminals, network and radio infrastructure. The company will also provide avionics equipment such as electro-mechanical actuators and controllers for the primary flight control system from Saab in Sweden.
More than 200 companies have been involved in the MQ-28 programme which is being co-developed by Boeing Australia and the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). The number of Australian companies has increased
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Air Warfare
-
![October crewed air review: Israel’s Apache deal bets on crewed aviation in an uncrewed age]()
October crewed air review: Israel’s Apache deal bets on crewed aviation in an uncrewed age
Israel’s $1 billion Apache helicopter order highlights the continued demand for crewed attack aviation, while growing integration with uncrewed systems could shape future modernisation and procurement decisions.
-
![US Navy keeps Super Hornet production restart option open, but without defined cost or timetable]()
US Navy keeps Super Hornet production restart option open, but without defined cost or timetable
The US Navy plans to preserve Super Hornet and Growler tooling as production winds down, with restart costs unassessed and final F/A-18 deliveries expected in late 2027.
-
![Connecting the layers: how networks can secure the future of European air defence]()
Connecting the layers: how networks can secure the future of European air defence
The rise of drones has reshaped the threat landscape for all European militaries. For industry, future defensive strategies must carefully balance a mix of passive and active measures to address the evolving danger, based around a highly integrated and responsive network of sensors and effectors.
-
![Germany could secure greater influence through sixth-generation fighter partnership with Sweden and Spain]()
Germany could secure greater influence through sixth-generation fighter partnership with Sweden and Spain
Germany is assessing potential pathways for a future sixth-generation fighter capability, including discussions with GCAP partners and Sweden.
