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?
More from Air Warfare
-
![AUSA 2025: Boeing and Leonardo partner to pursue US Army rotary training contract]()
AUSA 2025: Boeing and Leonardo partner to pursue US Army rotary training contract
Leonardo’s AW119T helicopter will be offered as a solution for the Flight School Next contract, an initiative which aims to overhaul the US Army’s Initial Entry Rotary Wing training.
-
![Denmark bolsters Arctic security with $4.2 billion spend, procures 16 additional F-35s]()
Denmark bolsters Arctic security with $4.2 billion spend, procures 16 additional F-35s
While the F-35s will help strengthen Denmark’s NATO contribution, other equipment such as a maritime patrol aircraft and additional drones were listed to further boost its Arctic defence capabilities.
-
![AUSA 2025: IAI presents its bid for US Army’s next-generation VTOL UAS requirement]()
AUSA 2025: IAI presents its bid for US Army’s next-generation VTOL UAS requirement
The OmniRaider uncrewed aerial system is described by Israel Aerospace Industries as an “Americanised” version of its ThunderB-NG vertical take-off and landing UAS of which there are hundreds in service.
