In its recent press release, Boeing announced that the name of its crewless aircraft is MQ-28A. The new Boeing combat drone is being produced in Australia. It utilizes artificial intelligence and is part of the company’s previous Loyal Wingman project.
“The introduction of the new well-known name is a special moment in aviation history for our RAAF partners and the team of over 35 Australian suppliers,” said Glen Ferguson, director at Australia’s Boeing Airpower Teaming System.
Ferguson explained that Boeing chose the Ghost Bat, an Australian native mammal known for grouping together to detect and hunt. The name reflects the unique characteristics of the aircraft’s sensors and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance abilities. Ferguson added that it is a fitting name for this pioneering capability.
This new drone model may fly alongside crewed fighter jets. Its objective is to assist from jamming radar to performing surveillance to firing on targets. The Ghost Bat is the first warplane manufactured in Australia in over 50 years. In recent years, Australian officials became more aggressive as they faced an increasingly hostile China.
Australian politicians’ combative posture has translated into more extensive investment in the defense industry. For example, US-based companies like Boeing generated a revenue of $62 billion in 2021.
“As air warfare grows more sophisticated, remotely piloted aircraft and other unmanned platforms are becoming increasingly crucial assets for modern militaries,” Australian Defense Minister Dutton said in a statement.
New Name of Launch of New Boeing Combat Drone
Dutton launched the new name during an event at Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Base Amberley in Queensland. Government officials hinted at the characteristics of Ghost Bat that make it very useful in war. He said that the new capability allows them to introduce more mass into the battlespace. A military aircraft would not only have to contend with the crewed counterpart but also some of the uncrewed aircraft like the MQ-28A Ghost Bat.
Dutton also announced that the series of three test flights have been successful with a range of 3,700 kilometers. The new Boeing combat drone complements Australia’s deterrence objectives to hold a potential adversary’s forces and infrastructure at risk from a greater distance.
And while Dutton’s been seriously supporting Australia for more military programs, he may not have much time left to influence the future of Australia’s drones. The conservative government is up for re-election in May. And Dutton’s Liberal Party is not performing well so far in the election-related surveys.
Drone Program
With a rapid development timetable of three years from invention to maiden flight, the program leverages digital engineering, manufacturing, and Australian supply chain technology innovations.
According to the Boeing press statement, the RAAF Loyal Wingman development program name will be phased out. However, Boeing’s product name for global clients will stay in the Airpower Teaming System.
Dr. Brendan Nelson, Boeing president for Australia, New Zealand, and South Pacific, revealed that their existing partnership with the Commonwealth of Australia and Australian Defense Force (ADF) is critical to the successful development of MQ-28A technologies and capabilities. In fact, it has worldwide export potential for Australia.
About Boeing
Boeing develops, manufactures, and services commercial airplanes, defense products, and space systems as a leading multinational aerospace company. They cater to customers in over 150 countries. As a top US exporter, Boeing leverages the talents of a global supplier base to promote economic development, sustainability, and community impact. Boeing’s diversified team aims to innovate for the future and implementing the company’s core values of safety, quality, and integrity.
