Defense & Military
Australia Advances Autonomous Air Combat with Ghost Bat and Wedgetail
RAAF and Boeing demonstrate manned-unmanned teaming using AI-controlled drones managed from E-7A aircraft, reshaping modern aerial warfare strategies.
Introduction: A New Era of Aerial Combat
The June 2025 demonstration of the MQ-28A Ghost Bat teaming with the E-7A Wedgetail marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of aerial warfare. This historic event, conducted by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) and Boeing, showcased the first successful airborne control of multiple unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs) by a single operator aboard an airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) platform. It signals a shift from traditional, pilot-centric air strategies to distributed, autonomous combat systems.
As global powers race to develop loyal wingman programs and sixth-generation airpower capabilities, Australia’s achievement places it at the forefront of autonomous systems integration. The successful demonstration not only validated the operational viability of the MQ-28A Ghost Bat but also redefined the role of the E-7A Wedgetail from a passive surveillance platform to an active battle manager. The implications for air combat doctrine, force structure, and defense economics are profound.
The MQ-28A Ghost Bat: Australia’s Autonomous Vanguard
Origins of the Loyal Wingman Concept
The MQ-28A Ghost Bat originated from the RAAF’s Loyal Wingman, Advanced Development Program (LWADP), launched in 2019 to address the increasing complexity of contested airspaces. As the first combat aircraft designed and manufactured in Australia in over half a century, it reflects a sovereign capability rooted in innovation and urgency. The program aimed to create a force multiplier that could extend the capabilities and survivability of Australia’s existing fighter fleet, including the F-35A Lightning II and EA-18G Growler.
Boeing Australia collaborated with over 35 domestic suppliers to produce a platform comprised of over 70% Australian-made components. Notably, the Ghost Bat features the largest resin-infused composite wing structure in Boeing’s history. The aircraft progressed from concept to first flight in just three years, a testament to the agility of digital engineering and modular design principles.
The Ghost Bat’s development underscores a broader trend in defense procurement: rapid prototyping and fielding of adaptable, mission-configurable platforms. With its modular nose cone and AI-driven autonomy, the MQ-28A can serve in reconnaissance, electronic warfare, or kinetic strike roles, adapting to mission needs in real time.
Design and Technological Innovations
The MQ-28A’s 38-foot fuselage emphasizes stealth through aerodynamic shaping rather than reliance on radar-absorbent coatings. This approach reduces its radar cross-section while maintaining structural integrity and ease of maintenance.
AI autonomy lies at the heart of the Ghost Bat’s capabilities. The platform can independently reroute around threats, prioritize targets, and maintain formation with crewed aircraft, all within predefined parameters to ensure human oversight. With a range of over 2,000 nautical miles and high subsonic speeds, the Ghost Bat is designed to operate deep into contested airspace, providing early warning and strike capabilities ahead of manned assets.
This autonomy is not just a technical feature, it’s a strategic asset. By acting as a forward-deployed sensor, decoy, or weapons carrier, the Ghost Bat reduces risk to human pilots and high-value platforms. Its integration into RAAF operations represents a significant step toward a more resilient, distributed force structure.
“The Ghost Bat turns a single fighter into a fighting team, with sensors that act as hundreds of eyes in the sky.”, RAAF Air Vice-Marshal Robert Denney
The E-7A Wedgetail Demonstration: A Force Multiplier in Practice
Mission Overview and Achievements
The June 2025 demonstration at Woomera Test Range validated the operational concept of a single operator aboard an E-7A Wedgetail controlling multiple MQ-28As. During the trial, two physical Ghost Bats and a third digital twin UAV simulated a coordinated attack on an airborne target. This marked the first time an AEW&C platform actively managed combat UAVs in real-time.
Three core capabilities were proven: interoperability, sensor fusion, and autonomous behavior. The E-7A’s mission systems, enhanced with open-architecture software developed by Boeing Defence Australia, the Defence Science and Technology Group, and the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory, orchestrated the UAVs without requiring hardware modifications. Ghost Bats relayed multispectral sensor data to the Wedgetail, enabling a unified battlespace picture and real-time decision-making.
Perhaps most notably, the UAVs demonstrated independent evasive maneuvers against simulated surface-to-air missile threats while maintaining formation. This level of autonomy, combined with centralized coordination, reflects a new paradigm in manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T).
Strategic Advantages and Operational Impact
The integration of MQ-28As with the E-7A Wedgetail provides several strategic advantages. First, the combination of the Wedgetail’s 1,000+ km radar range and the Ghost Bat’s 3,700 km endurance allows for expansive surveillance and engagement capabilities, particularly in maritime regions like the South China Sea. This extended reach enhances Australia’s ability to project power and maintain situational awareness across vast distances.
Second, the use of unmanned systems reduces risk to human operators and high-value assets. The E-7A, with an estimated cost of US$300 million per unit, can remain outside contested zones while Ghost Bats operate in forward areas. This distributed risk model enhances survivability and mission resilience.
Third, the system is inherently scalable. A single E-7A Wedgetail could theoretically manage dozens of Ghost Bats, enabling saturation attacks or persistent surveillance using a distributed network of autonomous nodes. This scalability is critical in future conflict scenarios involving peer or near-peer adversaries with advanced anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) capabilities.
Global Context and Competitive Landscape
International Loyal Wingman Programs
The MQ-28A demonstration places Australia among global leaders in loyal wingman development. In the United States, the Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program aims to produce UAVs compatible with the F-35 and Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) platforms by 2030. The U.S. Air Force has shown interest in the MQ-28A as a testbed and potential risk-reduction platform for CCA.
Other nations are also advancing similar concepts. Turkey’s TAI Anka-3 became the first armed UAV to be controlled by another aircraft in 2024, while China’s AVIC Dark Sword is rumored to feature swarming capabilities for coordinated saturation attacks. These developments underscore a global shift toward AI-enabled, team-based air combat.
What sets the MQ-28A apart is its emphasis on modularity and coalition interoperability. Boeing has framed the Ghost Bat as a blueprint for allied operations, suggesting potential integration with NATO and Indo-Pacific partners. This positions Australia not only as a technology leader but also as a strategic enabler within allied defense networks.
Industrial and Economic Implications
Australia’s investment of A$1.1 billion in the MQ-28A program has yielded significant economic dividends. Manufacturing facilities in Toowoomba and Melbourne have created over 500 high-tech jobs, and the platform’s modular design offers export potential. A 2024 agreement with the U.S. Navy to co-develop the Ghost Bat could further expand its market reach.
However, challenges remain. The MQ-28A’s estimated unit cost of A$45 million (US$30 million) is significantly higher than competitors like the Kratos XQ-58 Valkyrie, which costs around US$3 million. Additionally, export controls under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) may limit sales to non-Five Eyes allies.
Despite these hurdles, the Ghost Bat’s success demonstrates the viability of mid-tier UCAVs as force multipliers. Its development showcases how smaller nations can lead in niche defense technologies through focused investment and public-private collaboration.
Conclusion: The Future of Combat Airpower
The MQ-28A Ghost Bat and E-7A Wedgetail demonstration marks a watershed moment in aerial warfare. By proving the feasibility of manned-unmanned teaming at an operational level, Australia has set a precedent for how air forces can leverage AI, autonomy, and modular design to achieve strategic advantage. The shift from platform-centric to network-centric warfare is no longer theoretical, it’s happening now.
Looking ahead, the integration of Ghost Bats with F-35s, E-7As, and future hypersonic drones could form the backbone of a “combat cloud” capable of overwhelming adversaries through distributed, coordinated action. As geopolitical tensions rise and defense budgets tighten, systems like the MQ-28A offer a scalable, survivable, and cost-effective path forward. The future of air superiority may not lie in a single aircraft, but in the intelligent collaboration of many.
FAQ
What is the MQ-28A Ghost Bat?
The MQ-28A Ghost Bat is an unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) developed by Boeing Australia for the Royal Australian Air Force. It is designed to operate alongside crewed aircraft as a “loyal wingman.”
What was significant about the June 2025 demonstration?
It was the first time an E-7A Wedgetail AEW&C aircraft successfully controlled multiple Ghost Bats in a simulated combat mission, validating manned-unmanned teaming capabilities.
How does the Ghost Bat enhance Australia’s defense capabilities?
It extends the range, survivability, and flexibility of the RAAF’s airpower by acting as a forward-deployed sensor, decoy, or strike platform, reducing risk to human pilots and high-value assets.
Sources: Boeing Media Room, Defence Science and Technology Group, U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory, Australian Department of Defence, Air Vice-Marshal Robert Denney (RAAF), Boeing Defence Australia
Photo Credit: Boeing
Defense & Military
2026 Northrop Grumman Technology Accelerator Cohort Named
Eight startups including Whisper Aero and Zulu Pods selected for Northrop Grumman’s 2026 accelerator from 300+ applicants.
This is original reporting and analysis by AirPro News.
Eight aerospace and defense startups, including Whisper Aero and Zulu Pods, Inc., have been selected from a pool of over 300 applicants for the 2026 Northrop Grumman Technology Accelerator. The 11-week virtual program, powered by FedTech, provides emerging deep-tech companies a direct pathway to collaborate with a major prime contractor on next-generation aircraft propulsion, advanced materials, and defense technologies.
The accelerator is designed to integrate external technology innovation into the supply chain and product lines of Northrop Grumman Corporation. Selected companies receive mentorship from Northrop Grumman experts, participate in technology integration strategy sessions, and gain access to venture capitalists and Department of Defense (DOD) connections to pursue funded pilots and strategic partnerships. Applications for the 2026 cohort closed on July 1, 2026.
2026 cohort and technological focus
The 2026 cohort represents a diverse cross-section of aerospace innovation, focusing on sectors such as artificial intelligence, quantum technology, and advanced manufacturing. Whisper Aero announced its selection on August 17, 2026, publishing the full list of participating companies:
- Whisper Aero
- Zulu Pods, Inc.
- Coronal Technologies
- ICOMAT
- InfinitForm
- Kilsar
- PanOptimization
- Raven Space Systems
Participants are targeting specific legacy challenges within aerospace manufacturing and design. In an August 12, 2026 statement, Zulu Pods outlined its objective for the program.
“We’re here to replace legacy fluid delivery with something lighter, faster, and built to scale.”
Whisper Aero emphasized the rapid development timeline the accelerator enables for early-stage aerospace hardware.
“We’re proud to work directly with Northrop Grumman Corporation and FedTech on next-generation propulsion that future aircraft will run on. As one of eight companies selected out of over 300, we’re grateful for the opportunity to manufacture and demonstrate capability rapidly.”
Integration into defense supply chains
The Northrop Grumman Technology Accelerator functions as a bridge between agile startups and the heavily regulated defense procurement environment. By partnering with FedTech, Northrop Grumman can evaluate unproven but high-potential technologies without absorbing the initial research and development costs typically associated with internal incubation.
AirPro News analysis
We view the structure of the 2026 cohort as a clear indicator of where prime contractors are identifying supply chain vulnerabilities and technological gaps. The inclusion of companies focused on fluid delivery systems, advanced materials, and next-generation propulsion suggests Northrop Grumman is prioritizing component-level innovations that can be rapidly scaled and integrated into existing platforms. For startups like Whisper Aero and Zulu Pods, the 11-week program offers critical exposure to DOD acquisition pathways, which often present insurmountable barriers to entry for independent firms lacking prime contractor sponsorship.
Sources: Whisper Aero
Photo Credit: Whisper Aero
Defense & Military
Lockheed Martin Targets 2028 Quantum Navigation Fielding
Lockheed Martin leads DIU quantum sensor program with Q-CTRL and AOSense, targeting GPS-independent navigation by 2028.
Lockheed Martin is advancing quantum sensing technology from laboratory environments to operational aerospace and defense platforms, targeting a 2028 federal timeline for fielding GPS-independent Navigation systems.
In a feature article published on August 17, 2026, the defense manufacturer detailed its role as the prime contractor for the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) Transition of Quantum Sensors program. Working alongside quantum industry specialists Q-CTRL and AOSense, Lockheed Martin is developing a Quantum Inertial Navigation System (QuINS) designed to operate in contested environments where traditional satellite navigation signals are degraded or denied.
Engineering for Contested Environments
The QuINS architecture utilizes individual atoms to detect motion and orientation with unprecedented precision. This technology provides a critical alternative to the Global Positioning System (GPS), which remains vulnerable to jamming and spoofing tactics in modern electronic warfare.
Transitioning these highly sensitive instruments from controlled laboratories to the harsh conditions of military aviation and ground platforms requires strict management of size, weight, and power (SWaP) constraints. The hardware must withstand the extreme vibration, temperature fluctuations, and electromagnetic interference inherent to aerospace operations.
“It takes a lot of clever engineering to package the complicated quantum system into a device that can be used in the real world, outside of a lab,” said Gwen Leifer, Senior Quantum Systems Engineer and Lead for Quantum Workforce Development at Lockheed Martin. “But once you do, you have a device that may be more precise, uses less power or works in ways conventional sensors cannot.”
Strategic Partnerships and Federal Timelines
Lockheed Martin plans to conduct multiple platform demonstrations of the technology throughout 2026 and beyond, aligning with a federal target to field operational quantum capabilities by 2028. The company began applying quantum science to engineering challenges in 2008 and officially designated it a priority technology area in 2021, alongside hypersonics, autonomy, and directed energy.
The current DIU initiative builds on parallel defense sector investments. In August 2025, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) awarded Q-CTRL $24.4 million under the Robust Quantum Sensors (RoQS) program to develop next-generation navigation sensors, with Lockheed Martin serving as a subcontractor. Prior to that contract, Lockheed Martin Ventures participated in Q-CTRL’s Series B funding round in October 2024.
Lockheed Martin positions itself as the integration specialist bridging the gap between theoretical physics and deployable military hardware. Tom Loftus, Quantum Sensing and Position, Navigation, and Timing Lead, noted that the engineering teams focus on solving the practical hardware problems that stand between a laboratory prototype and useful equipment.
“In our work with our partner companies, we’re the engineers in the room,” stated Dani Couger, Quantum Technologies Lead at Lockheed Martin. “We know how to take something fragile, integrate it with complex systems and make it thrive in real environments.”
AirPro News analysis
While quantum computing often dominates public attention with promises of future cryptographic breakthroughs, quantum sensing represents the immediate, deployable edge of the technology. For the aerospace sector, the vulnerability of GPS is a recognized single point of failure in both military and commercial aviation. The push for alternative Position, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) solutions has accelerated as electronic warfare capabilities proliferate globally.
We view Lockheed Martin’s timeline for platform demonstrations in 2026 as a clear indicator that quantum inertial navigation is moving out of the experimental phase. By acting as the prime integrator for specialized firms like Q-CTRL and AOSense, the aerospace giant is leveraging commercial sector agility while applying its own expertise in ruggedizing hardware for flight. If the 2028 federal fielding target is met, quantum sensors could fundamentally alter how aircraft navigate in electronically contested airspace, providing a resilient backup that cannot be jammed from the ground.
Sources: Lockheed Martin, Q-CTRL
Photo Credit: Lockheed Martin
Defense & Military
E-2D Advanced Hawkeye Block II Critical Design Review Complete
Northrop Grumman and the U.S. Navy complete Block II critical design review, advancing the E-2D upgrade into integration and testing.
Northrop Grumman Corporation and the U.S. Navy have successfully completed the government-led critical design review for the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye Block II upgrade, transitioning the modernization program from the design phase into integration and testing.
The milestone, completed in May 2026 and publicly announced by the manufacturers on August 18, marks the most extensive platform overhaul in the history of the E-2D program. The Block II configuration is designed to future-proof the aircraft against emerging aerial threats by introducing an open mission systems architecture, a modernized cockpit, and significantly increased computing capacity.
Modernizing the airborne command node
The E-2D Advanced Hawkeye serves as the primary airborne command and control node for U.S. Navy carrier strike groups. To maintain this capability in increasingly complex electromagnetic environments, the Block II upgrade focuses heavily on digital infrastructure rather than aerodynamic changes.
According to a U.S. Navy statement, integrating an open mission systems architecture resolves current and future parts obsolescence while enabling rapid, non-proprietary technology insertion. This approach allows the military to upgrade software and hardware subsystems independently of the primary airframe manufacturer.
“Completing the Block II critical design review reflects the dedication and expertise of our team and partners. This upgrade strengthens the E-2D’s suite of capabilities, enhancing situational awareness, reducing crew workload and paving the way for future technology.”
Janice Zilch, vice president and program manager for the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye at Northrop Grumman, noted in a press release that the company continues to deliver unmatched capability at speed to the U.S. Navy and international partners.
Production timeline and fleet integration
The transition out of the design phase aligns with recent procurement actions. On July 22, 2026, the U.S. Department of Defense awarded Northrop Grumman a not-to-exceed $1.196 billion undefinitized contract for the production and delivery of three E-2D Advanced Hawkeye Block II aircraft.
Manufacturing will take place primarily in Melbourne and St. Augustine, Florida, as well as Liverpool, New York. The manufacturer noted that the broader E-2D program supports approximately 4,000 jobs across 411 companies in 40 U.S. states.
The Block II enhancements will be integrated directly into the active production line for new airframes, while the existing fleet will undergo retrofitting. Flight testing for the upgraded aircraft is scheduled to begin in fiscal year 2029, with the first overhauled Block II aircraft targeted for delivery by 2030.
AirPro News analysis
The shift toward an open mission systems architecture is a defining characteristic of modern military aviation procurement. By decoupling the mission systems from the proprietary hardware of the original equipment manufacturer (OEM), the U.S. Navy is positioning the E-2D to adapt to electronic warfare and sensor threats much faster than traditional upgrade cycles allow. We view the successful critical design review as a strong indicator that the Navy intends to keep the E-2D as the central node of its carrier strike group network well into the 2040s, rather than seeking a clean-sheet replacement in the near term.
Sources: Northrop Grumman
Photo Credit: Northrop Grumman
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