Singapore Airshow 2026: Boeing’s MQ-28A targets key 2028 date as Block II ground tests begin
The MQ-28A Ghost Bat was first flown in 2021. (Photo: Boeing)
Boeing’s Ghost Bat MQ-28A programme is honing in on a crucial 2028 milestone to develop and design the Block II and Block III aircraft – targeting a transfer of the aircraft to Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) operations in two to three years.
Glen Ferguson, MQ-28 global programme director, said at the Singapore Airshow that 2028 was going to be “a very interesting year” for the company.
“There’ll be RAAF operations flying RAAF missions,” he explained. “In the next three years we will have the airframe and the system ready to go across the board.”
The aircraft proved its first live-fire
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
-
India’s military integration drive faces interoperability hurdles
Senior military leaders have highlighted the need for interoperable systems, common data standards and closer cooperation between India's armed services.
-
UK A400M Saudi deployment highlights airlifter’s role as Airbus pursues upgrades
Airbus is developing new capabilities for its A400M transport aircraft as European countries consider future airlift requirements and the UK plans to deploy the aircraft to Saudi Arabia.
-
The new generation of defence companies emerging from the US UAV boom
As the Pentagon accelerates procurement of low-cost, lethal UAVs through its Drone Dominance Program, emerging suppliers will need to demonstrate manufacturing capacity, supply chain resilience and reliability.
-
US Coast Guard faces key procurement decisions after C-130J and MQ-9B orders
The service is updating several parts of its aviation fleet including fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft and procuring uncrewed aircraft to boost its maritime surveillance.