Australia's MQ-28 Ghost Bat Drone Engages in Combat with E-7A and F/A-18F in December 2025 Test
In December 2025, Australia's MQ-28 Ghost Bat drone successfully launched a missile during a combat demonstration, marking its first active engagement. Developed by Boeing Australia, the MQ-28 is designed for various missions, including reconnaissance and electronic warfare, and operates autonomously in manned-unmanned combat formations.
The E-7A Wedgetail provided command and control, while the F/A-18F Super Hornet executed the missile engagement. The RAAF aims for the MQ-28 to achieve initial operational capability by 2028, enhancing pilot survivability and sensor coverage amidst evolving air defense threats. This development positions Australia at the forefront of integrating uncrewed systems into air combat.
