Australia funds three MQ-28A Block 2 aircraft, key systems

The fourth and fifth MQ-28A prototypes have started flight-testing, according to a video released by Boeing. The fifth prototype (on the right) has an IRST system installed on the upper nose surface. This system was not seen on the earlier MQ-28 prototypes. (Boeing)

The Australian government has announced AUD399 million (USD259.5 million) in funding to further develop key systems for the Boeing MQ-28A Ghost Bat Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) and build three new next-generation Block 2 aircraft.

Pat Conroy, the Australian Minister for Defence Industry, said on 9 February that the “funding boost” will allow for the production of three new MQ-28A Block 2 aircraft, which will “have an enhanced design and improved capabilities”.

The Australian government is developing the MQ-28A Ghost Bat in co-operation with Boeing Defence Australia. The company is already under contract to produce 10 MQ-28A Block 1 CCAs for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). An Australian Department of Defence (DoD) spokesperson told
Janes
on 10 February that “eight [MQ-28A] aircraft have been manufactured to date,” and that the “further three Block 2 aircraft will be delivered along with conduct of a focused capability demonstration in late 2025”.