Boeing Seeks European Partner to Boost MQ-28 Ghost Bat Drone

Post by : Amit

Photo:Reuters

18 June 2025, London - Boeing is now seeking a European industrial partner to help propel its MQ‑28 Ghost Bat (formerly known as the Loyal Wingman) into its next development phase, according to sources close to the program.

The MQ‑28 is an advanced uncrewed “loyal wingman” aircraft, designed in Australia by Boeing Defence Australia to accompany and support manned military jets. With a combat-capable, stealthy design, it is capable of autonomous missions, electronic warfare, surveillance, and future missile deployment alongside aircraft such as the F‑35, F/A‑18F, and E‑7A.

A Weaponised Milestone
At the Avalon Air Show in March, Boeing Defence Australia announced plans to conduct the MQ‑28’s first air‑to‑air missile trials by late 2025 or early 2026—a landmark step marking the beginning of the drone’s transition from surveillance to weaponised roles. Development now includes the addition of an internal weapons bay, expected to see testing of platforms like the AIM‑120 AMRAAM or AIM‑9X Sidewinder.

Strengthening the Supply Chain
The MQ‑28 program is supported by a growing and mature supply network, with over 200 Australian companies contributing to its development. Among them, Saab Australia recently joined the program, supplying critical avionics and secure communications systems. Boeing’s collaboration with Saab underscores a strengthened global supply base and enriches the platform’s technical depth.

Block 2 Fleet & Global Ambitions
Building upon the eight Block 1 prototypes that have logged over 100 flight hours and completed night and radar suppression sorties, Boeing is advancing to Block 2. These enhanced aircraft, equipped with a revised lightweight wing, upgraded GPS, and systems wiring enhancements, are scheduled to enter production in 2025.
Boeing is pursuing export opportunities beyond the Royal Australian Air Force. In recent years, two MQ‑28 airframes were transferred to the U.S. for evaluation under the U.S. Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program. Boeing sees strong potential for MQ‑28 in USAF and USN applications.

Fast-Tracked International Cooperation
To accelerate development and attract international customers, Boeing is actively exploring collaboration with European defense industry partners. This strategic outreach could help incorporate European technologies, broaden supply-chain resilience, and facilitate export-to-Europe—a clear signal of Boeing’s intentions to evolve the MQ‑28 into a truly global product.

What’s Ahead

• Late 2025/early 2026: Scheduled air‑to‑air missile test from MQ‑28
• 2025: Block 2 production ramp-up with next-generation avionics
• Ongoing: International evaluations (notably in U.S. trials) and expansion into European partnerships

MQ-28 Ghost Bat combat drone