Date: September 6, 2025
Australia has unveiled its most ambitious defense project in decades with the public debut of the MQ-28A Ghost Bat, an advanced autonomous combat drone designed to operate alongside crewed fighter jets. The aircraft completed its first demonstration flight at the Woomera test range in South Australia, signaling a turning point for the country’s aerospace industry and defense strategy.
A New Era of Air Power
During the flight, two Ghost Bats executed coordinated maneuvers, showcasing their ability to take off, fly in formation, and land independently. These aircraft are built to function as “loyal wingmen,” designed to accompany traditional fighter jets and provide support ranging from reconnaissance and electronic warfare to offensive operations.
The drone’s modular nose design allows mission-specific payloads to be swapped quickly, making it versatile for intelligence gathering, strike missions, or air defense. With stealth features and artificial intelligence capabilities, the Ghost Bat represents a leap forward in both technology and military autonomy.
Homegrown Innovation
This is the first combat aircraft designed and built in Australia in more than half a century. Production is ramping up with a new facility under construction in Toowoomba, which is expected to create thousands of jobs and strengthen the nation’s defense manufacturing base. Officials describe the project as a milestone for sovereign capability, ensuring Australia is less reliant on foreign suppliers for critical defense assets.
Strategic and Global Interest
The Ghost Bat has already undergone extensive testing, clocking over 150 hours in the air and more than 20,000 hours in simulations. It has also been successfully paired with existing aircraft such as the E-7 Wedgetail, where operators controlled multiple drones from onboard systems.
Live-fire trials, including the launch of air-to-air missiles, are planned for late this year or early 2026. If successful, the Ghost Bat will not only bolster Australia’s defense readiness but also become an attractive option for allied nations seeking cost-effective unmanned systems.
A Statement of Intent
With growing geopolitical tensions in the Indo-Pacific, Australia’s investment in the Ghost Bat highlights its determination to stay ahead in emerging defense technologies. Defense analysts say the project could redefine the country’s role in regional security and place it among the leaders in next-generation combat aviation.
The Ghost Bat’s debut is more than just a technological achievement — it’s a symbol of Australia’s commitment to innovation, defense independence, and preparedness for the future of modern warfare.
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