Boeing and the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) have successfully demonstrated a significant milestone in aviation technology. In a recent trial, two uncrewed MQ-28 Ghost Bat aircraft and a third digital aircraft were controlled by a single operator from an airborne E-7A Wedgetail. This demonstration took place at Woomera, South Australia.
The operation highlighted the integration of multiple systems and showcased the potential for collaborative combat operations. Glen Ferguson, director of MQ-28 Global Programs, stated, "This trial demonstrates family-of-systems integration, the strength of our open systems architecture, and is a critical first step towards integrating mission partners' software and communications systems natively into the E-7A Wedgetail."
The successful control of these aircraft validated an essential element of the MQ-28's concept of operations. It also illustrated how such collaborative efforts could enhance the capabilities of crewed assets like the E-7A to meet future operational requirements. Ferguson noted that this achievement is "another tangible proof point of the maturity of our program."
Australian Minister for Defence Industry The Honourable Pat Conroy MP emphasized the significance of this development by stating, "The Ghost Bat has the potential to turn a single fighter jet into a fighting team, with advanced sensors that are like hundreds of eyes in the sky."
The software used in this demonstration was developed collaboratively by Boeing Defence Australia, Defence Science and Technology Group, and U.S. Air Force Research Laboratories. Adam Tsacoumangos, director of Air Dominance Programs for Boeing's Phantom Works, commented on this collaboration: "It has been an exceptional collaborative effort across organisations from government, contractors, and global partners."
This trial is part of Capability Demonstration 2025 (CD25), which will showcase how MQ-28s can operate effectively alongside RAAF crewed assets throughout various events planned for this year. Future demonstrations will include teaming with other military assets such as F/A-18F and F-35 aircraft.
Boeing remains committed to innovation within aerospace technology as it continues to develop commercial airplanes, defense products, and space systems globally.