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
Lockheed Martin Offers Peru $1.8B F-16 Block 70 Offset Package
Lockheed Martin proposes a $1.8B industrial package for Peru’s F-16 Block 70 program, including UAS assembly and MRO expansion.
Lockheed Martin has outlined a $1.8 billion industrial and social collaboration package for Peru, designed to integrate local firms into the global aerospace supply chain as part of the country’s F-16 Block 70 procurement program.
Announced in a press release on August 26, 2026, the offset proposal follows the Peruvian government’s April 2026 decision to acquire an initial batch of 12 F-16 Block 70 aircraft. The comprehensive package aims to position Peru as a regional hub for advanced unmanned systems and aerospace services.
Expanding Peru’s aerospace industrial base
The proposed industrial agreement focuses heavily on technology transfer and domestic manufacturing. Key components include the domestic assembly of an Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) tailored for the Latin American market, the establishment of joint research hubs, and the creation of a UAS Technical Institute. The package also outlines plans to expand Peru’s high-tech maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) footprint.
“As we collaborate with the local industry, we aim to deliver tangible, high-value opportunities that build a skilled workforce, enable knowledge transfer and create lasting economic impact on both sides of the partnership,” said Tara Lause, Vice President of Business Development for the Integrated Fighter Group at Lockheed Martin.
Lause added that the procurement creates enduring alliances and industrial collaboration opportunities with the United States and other partner nations.
Fleet modernization and electronic warfare capabilities
Peru is currently working to replace its aging fleet of Soviet-era MiG-29s and French Mirage 2000s. The F-16 Block 70 was selected over competing bids from Saab and Dassault. To equip the new fleet, the government of Peru selected L3Harris Technologies to provide its AN/ALQ-254(V)1 Viper Shield all-digital electronic warfare suite, a decision announced on August 17, 2026. The Viper Shield system provides advanced radar warning and jamming capabilities.
Lockheed Martin noted that the F-16 is currently operated by 29 countries, with a global fleet of 2,800 aircraft. Mike Shoemaker, Vice President of the Integrated Fighter Group at Lockheed Martin, stated that the selection highlights the aircraft’s operational performance and ability to meet pressing defense requirements.
AirPro News analysis
The announcement of a $1.8 billion industrial offset package is a strategic move by Lockheed Martin to solidify the F-16 Block 70 sale amid a complex political environment in Lima. While the Peruvian government selected the aircraft in April 2026, regional defense reporting indicates that the procurement process has encountered delays linked to ministerial resignations and defense budget debates. By offering substantial domestic manufacturing opportunities, including UAS assembly and MRO expansion, Lockheed Martin is providing Peruvian leadership with a strong economic justification to finalize the state-to-state contract. We view this comprehensive technology transfer as a critical lever in moving the procurement from selection to a finalized, funded agreement.
Sources: Lockheed Martin
Photo Credit: Lockheed Martin
Defense & Military
Rolls-Royce Completes $1 Billion Indiana Defense Facility Upgrade
Rolls-Royce finalizes a decade-long $1 billion modernization of its Indiana manufacturing and testing facilities for U.S. defense programs.
Rolls-Royce has finalized a decade-long, $1 billion modernization of its Indiana manufacturing and testing facilities, cementing the campus as its largest global hub for defense engine production. The upgraded footprint equips the manufacturer to handle a growing portfolio of United States military aircraft projects and represents the largest single investment the company has made in the country.
In a press release issued on August 27, 2026, the company confirmed the completion of the infrastructure project, which spans manufacturing and ground test sites in Indianapolis and an altitude test facility in West Lafayette. More Rolls-Royce defense products are now built in Indianapolis than at any other location worldwide.
Strengthening military engine production
The modernized facilities will support the production and testing of propulsion systems for several high-profile military aircraft. This includes future engines for the U.S. Air Force B-52 strategic bomber and the U.S. Army MV-75 Cheyenne, alongside current production for the V-22 Osprey, the U.S. Navy MQ-25A Stingray, and the C-130J.
Adam Riddle, President of Defense and CEO of Rolls-Royce North America, emphasized the strategic nature of the upgrades and their alignment with national defense priorities.
“This billion-dollar investment is about more than buildings and test cells, it is about delivering for the American warfighter, on time and at the standard our customers expect. We made this investment because it was the right thing to do for U.S. national security and for the future of Rolls-Royce.”
U.S. Senator Jim Banks of Indiana noted the timing of the completion, stating that the engines built in Indianapolis power aircraft that warfighters depend on. He added that the investment strengthens the American defense industrial base at a critical moment.
Economic footprint and regional impact
The Indianapolis campus currently employs approximately 3,500 people. According to the company, its U.S. operations contributed $6.2 billion to the national economy in 2024 and support 30,000 jobs across 26 states, factoring in research and development spillover. The company estimates a $4 return to the U.S. economy for every dollar invested by the U.S. government in its operations.
Over the past decade, Rolls-Royce has invested a total of $1.5 billion in U.S. facilities and $2.5 billion in domestic research and development. The Indiana investment also includes a $75 million, 10-year alliance with Purdue University, which anchors the LibertyWorks advanced-research organization.
Indiana Governor Mike Braun highlighted the regional significance of the project.
“Rolls-Royce has called Indiana home for three decades, and this billion-dollar investment is a vote of confidence in Hoosier workers and our state. Advanced manufacturing like this is exactly what keeps Indiana’s economy strong and growing.”
AirPro News analysis
We view the completion of this $1 billion modernization as a critical milestone for Rolls-Royce North America as it works to secure its position within the U.S. defense supply chain. By anchoring its advanced testing and manufacturing capabilities in Indiana, the company effectively insulates its U.S. military contracts from international supply chain disruptions. The specific alignment with the B-52 re-engining program and the MV-75 Cheyenne indicates a long-term strategic focus on platforms expected to remain in service for decades. The dedicated altitude test facility in West Lafayette also provides a distinct competitive advantage for future aerospace research and development contracts, particularly as the Department of Defense demands more rigorous domestic testing capabilities.
Sources: Rolls-Royce
Photo Credit: Rolls-Royce
Defense & Military
Lufthansa Aviation Training Wins German Air Force Pilot Contract
LAT will train 50 German Air Force pilots annually from 2027 at Rostock-Laage, using Diamond DA40 NG aircraft.
Lufthansa Aviation Training (LAT) has secured a contract to conduct Initial Flight Training for approximately 50 German Air-Forces pilot trainees annually, with the program scheduled to commence on February 1, 2027, at Rostock-Laage Airport. The agreement ensures the foundational training of military pilots and expands a six-decade partnership between the Lufthansa Group and the German Armed Forces.
Announced in a press release on August 26, 2026, the contract tasks LAT with providing the first phase of flight instruction for Luftwaffe recruits. The curriculum will utilize single-engine Diamond DA40 NG aircraft and cover theoretical subjects including meteorology, aviation law, and mission planning. Practical instruction will encompass visual flight rules (VFR), Upset Prevention and Recovery Training (UPRT), and the trainees’ first solo flights.
Strategic location and military integration
The choice of Rostock-Laage Airport offers strategic advantages for the German Air Force. The facility is located adjacent to Tactical Air Force Wing 73 “Steinhoff,” the unit responsible for training Eurofighter Typhoon pilots. This proximity allows for early military integration and exposure to frontline operations during the initial phases of a pilot’s career.
LAT already maintains a significant footprint in military training for the German Armed Forces (Bundeswehr). The company currently provides training services for German Air Force drone pilots in Rostock, German Navy Boeing P-8A Poseidon crews at a simulator center in Berlin, and various Bundeswehr helicopter crews.
Frank Ringhof, Head of the Bundeswehr Service Center Berlin, noted the historical context of the agreement.
The German Air Force and Lufthansa have been connected by a partnership of more than 60 years in the field of training and education for Air Force pilots. We are pleased that we can continue this professional cooperation at the Rostock-Laage location in 2027.
Expanding defense portfolio for Lufthansa Group
The Initial Flight Training contract represents a continuation of the Lufthansa Group’s growing involvement in national defense contracts. According to reporting by Aviation Week, the German Defense Ministry recently awarded Lufthansa Technik a separate contract to provide a Bombardier Global 6000 aircraft. This platform will be used to prepare crews for the Pegasus signals intelligence aircraft.
Matthias Spohr, CEO of Lufthansa Aviation Training, emphasized the broader security context surrounding the new training agreement. He stated in the press release that initial flight training serves as a key contribution to the operational readiness of the Bundeswehr, particularly given current geopolitical and security challenges.
AirPro News analysis
We view the deepening relationship between the Lufthansa Group and the German Armed Forces as a pragmatic alignment of civil aviation infrastructure with military readiness requirements. By outsourcing Initial Flight Training to an established commercial provider like LAT, the Luftwaffe can leverage existing fleets of Diamond DA40 NG trainers and standardized civilian instructional frameworks for foundational skills like VFR and UPRT. This allows the military to concentrate its specialized resources and personnel on advanced tactical training platforms, such as the Eurofighter Typhoon, while ensuring a steady pipeline of 50 qualified trainees each year.
Sources: Lufthansa Aviation Training
Photo Credit: Lufthansa Aviation Training
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