Boeing, RAAF Prove MQ-28 Operational Effectiveness
September 9, 2025 | BoeingEstimated reading time: 1 minute
Boeing and the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) have successfully completed demonstrations proving the operational viability of the MQ-28 Ghost Bat Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA).
The RAAF-defined demonstrations required the MQ-28 to execute a series of operationally relevant missions designed to supplement and enhance capabilities of existing crewed platforms.
The uncrewed MQ-28 platforms and digital versions have now completed 150 hours and 20,000+ hours of virtual testing. (Boeing photo)
The uncrewed MQ-28 platforms and digital versions have now completed 150 hours and 20,000+ hours of virtual testing. The Capability Demonstration 2025 missions were completed in early June, four months ahead of schedule, and validated:
- autonomous behaviours and mission execution
- multi-ship operations to provide combat mass
- deployment operations to RAAF Base Tindal
- teaming with an E-7A Wedgetail airborne early warning and control aircraft, and
- data fusion and sharing data between multiple MQ-28 aircraft and transmission of that data to a crewed platform.
MQ-28 is a unique autonomous capability designed to complement the find, fix, track and target elements of air combat with autonomous behaviours and reduced risk to crewed platforms.
"The RAAF set the task of proving the first four steps in the Air Combat chain for the MQ-28 and we have accomplished that sooner than anticipated," said Glen Ferguson, MQ-28 Global program director.
"Completing this work early allows us to accelerate the next phases of development – engage and assess – with an air-to-air weapon shot planned for later this year or in early 2026.The demonstrations have proven the maturity of MQ-28's capabilities and the utility of CCA's and their application to the future force mix," Ferguson said.
The capabilities validated throughout 2025 will be incorporated into the Block 2 aircraft now in production, forming the basis of an initial operational capability for the RAAF and allied partners.
Testimonial
"The I-Connect007 team is outstanding—kind, responsive, and a true marketing partner. Their design team created fresh, eye-catching ads, and their editorial support polished our content to let our brand shine. Thank you all! "
Sweeney Ng - CEE PCBSuggested Items
Joby Completes Landmark U.S. Defense Exercise with Autonomous Flight Technology
09/04/2025 | BUSINESS WIREJoby Aviation, Inc. announced a first-of-its-kind demonstration of its autonomous flight technology. As part of the Resolute Force Pacific (REFORPAC), a Department-Level Exercise led by Pacific Air Forces (PACAF), Joby conducted a successful demonstration and validation of its SuperpilotTM autonomous flight technology over the Pacific Ocean and Hawaii, logging more than 7,000 miles of autonomous operations across more than 40 flight hours.
Honeywell-Led Consortium Receives UK Government Funding to Revolutionize Aerospace Manufacturing
09/02/2025 | HoneywellA consortium led by Honeywell has received UK Government funding for a project that aims to revolutionize how critical aerospace technologies are manufactured in the UK through the use of AI and additive manufacturing.
Lockheed Martin Sikorsky Awarded Army Contract for Black Hawk® Modernization Efforts
08/21/2025 | Lockheed MartinSikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company announced a new U.S. Army contract that will fund Black Hawk® modernization engineering efforts.
Lockheed Martin Continues to Support Philippine Air Force with Delivery of Five More Black Hawk® Helicopters
08/19/2025 | Lockheed MartinLockheed Martin announced the delivery of five new Black Hawk® helicopters to the Philippine Air Force. This milestone contributes to the ongoing modernization of the country’s defense capabilities and reinforces its position as a key member of the global fleet of Black Hawk operators.
Joby Collaborates with L3Harris to Pursue Defense Applications for Autonomous VTOL Aircraft
08/04/2025 | L3Harris TechnologiesJoby Aviation, Inc. and L3Harris Technologies announced they are exploring opportunities to develop a new aircraft class for defense applications.