Boeing announces expansion of Australian MQ-28 Ghost Bat drone production facility.

According to Aviation Week in March 2024, Boeing announced the construction of a new final assembly plant in Australia, marking the aerospace giant's first such facility outside North America. This move signifies Boeing's commitment to continue the production of the MQ-28 Ghost Bat beyond the initial 13 aircraft already ordered by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF).
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Boeing MQ-28 Ghost Bat Multi-Role Unmanned Aircraft  (Picture source: Boeing)

Located in Toowoomba, Queensland, within the expansive 1,062-acre Wellcamp Aerospace and Defense Precinct, this 9,000-square-foot facility is expected to open in 2027. Besides assembly, the site will also host maintenance and refurbishment facilities.

Boeing's decision to start this project ahead of additional orders for the MQ-28 highlights the company's confidence in the market potential of this jet-powered unmanned aircraft. The MQ-28 Ghost Bat is among the top contenders for the inaugural segment of the U.S. Air Force's Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) fleet, underlining its strategic importance. A development agreement for the CCA was signed between the RAAF and the U.S. Air Force in March 2023, strengthening the collaboration between the two air forces.

This plant represents a significant investment by Boeing Australia in autonomous defense capabilities, incorporating advanced manufacturing systems. The project follows a series of initiatives since the system, initially named Airpower Teaming System, was introduced at the Avalon Australian International Airshow in Australia in 2019.

The RAAF's progressively increasing orders, recently including three more MQ-28s in the Block 2 configuration, demonstrate the ongoing evolution and adaptation of the aircraft's capabilities.

The MQ-28 Ghost Bat is designed to support RAAF manned aircraft like the F-35A, F/A-18F, and E-7A in defense and surveillance roles. It can conduct missions autonomously or as a remotely controlled wingman, pushing towards more interconnected and autonomous combat systems. The development of this aircraft marks a significant milestone in the Australian defense industry, being the first combat aircraft developed locally in over fifty years.

The MQ-28 Ghost Bat, developed by Boeing Australia for the RAAF, is a multi-role stealth unmanned aircraft. As a force multiplier, it is designed to fly alongside crewed aircraft for support as part of an integrated system. Measuring 11.7 meters in length and with a wingspan of 7.3 meters, the MQ-28 can reach a range of 3,700 km, with a combat range of 1,700 km, reflecting its extended capabilities for reconnaissance and surveillance missions.

This drone utilizes artificial intelligence to operate autonomously or in support of crewed aircraft while maintaining a safe distance from other aircraft. Designed to offer fighter-like performance, capable of flying over 2,000 nautical miles, it incorporates sensor packages to support intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions, as well as tactical early warning tasks. This ability to be missionized according to country-specific needs makes the MQ-28 a significant addition to Boeing's defense range, representing the company's largest investment in a new unmanned aircraft program outside the United States.

In terms of deployment, the MQ-28A Ghost Bat offers several launch options to meet diverse mission requirements and scenarios, taking into account factors such as weight, size, terrain, wind, and climate. Boeing provides all necessary information and equipment for practical takeoff, whether through auto-launch or mobile deployment, ensuring successful deployment each time.