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,
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