Boeing and the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) have successfully completed key demonstrations that validate the operational capabilities of the MQ-28 Ghost Bat Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA). The RAAF-led tests required the MQ-28 to perform a series of operational missions aimed at enhancing the capabilities of current crewed aircraft.
The MQ-28, both in its uncrewed and digital forms, has now surpassed 150 flight hours and more than 20,000 hours of virtual testing. The Capability Demonstration 2025 program achieved a major milestone by completing its demonstrations four months ahead of schedule.
The trials validated several critical advancements, including the ability to execute missions autonomously and coordinate multi-ship operations to significantly enhance combat mass. Deployment at RAAF Base Tindal further underscored the program’s operational readiness and scalability.
The demonstrations also showcased seamless integration with the E-7A Wedgetail airborne early warning and control aircraft, strengthening air combat capability. Equally important was the successful execution of data fusion and real-time information sharing between multiple MQ-28 units and crewed platforms, proving the effectiveness of manned-unmanned teaming in future air operations. The MQ-28 is designed as an autonomous platform intended to complement the find, fix, track, and target functions of air combat, offering autonomous operations while reducing risks to crewed aircraft.
Glen Ferguson, Global Program Director for MQ-28 at Boeing, commented “The RAAF tasked us with proving the first four steps of the Air Combat chain for the MQ-28, and we’ve accomplished that ahead of expectations. Completing this phase early allows us to accelerate development towards the next stages—engagement and assessment. We anticipate an air-to-air weapons test later this year or early in 2026. These demonstrations have proven the MQ-28’s capabilities and highlighted the value of CCAs in the future of air combat.” The capabilities demonstrated throughout 2025 will be integrated into the Block 2 aircraft now under production, laying the foundation for the initial operational capability for the RAAF and its international allies.
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