Defense & Military
Boeing MQ-28 Ghost Bat Fires AIM-120 Missile in Autonomous Test
Boeing and RAAF’s MQ-28 Ghost Bat drone fired an AIM-120 missile autonomously, validating its combat role with integrated manned and unmanned systems.
Boeing MQ-28 Ghost Bat Successfully Fires Air-to-Air Missile in Historic Autonomous Test
On December 9, 2025, Boeing and the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) marked a significant milestone in the evolution of autonomous aerial warfare. Operating at the Woomera Test Range in South Australia, an MQ-28 Ghost Bat “loyal wingman” drone successfully fired a live AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM), destroying a high-performance target drone.
According to Boeing, this event represents the first time an autonomous Military-Aircraft has engaged an aerial target with this specific class of weapon while operating within a “force integrated” team. The mission validated the operational concept of the Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA), where uncrewed systems work in tandem with manned fighters and command aircraft to extend lethality and survivability.
The “Kill Chain” Architecture
The test was not a solo effort by the Drones but rather a demonstration of advanced “sensor-to-shooter” data fusion. The mission involved a coordinated team of assets:
- MQ-28 Ghost Bat: The uncrewed carrier of the weapon.
- E-7A Wedgetail: An Airborne Early Warning & Control aircraft that maintained “custodianship” of the drone.
- F/A-18F Super Hornet: A manned fighter that provided sensor coverage and target tracking data.
In this scenario, the F/A-18F Super Hornet tracked the target,a Phoenix Jet Uncrewed Aerial Target designed to simulate enemy fighters,and shared that data instantly with the MQ-28 and the E-7A. While the Ghost Bat maneuvered autonomously, the final authority to launch the missile remained with a human operator aboard the E-7A Wedgetail, adhering to military ethics regarding human-in-the-loop control for lethal force.
“The Ghost Bat transforms a single fighter jet into a formidable team,capable not only of surveillance but also of engaging adversaries. This delivers a vital layer of protection for our aviators who remain our most valuable asset.”
, Pat Conroy, Australian Minister for Defence Industry
Technical Evolution: Block 1 vs. Block 2
The aircraft utilized in the December 9 test was a “Block 1” variant of the MQ-28. Technical analysis of the airframe highlights specific aerodynamic features relevant to this stage of development. The Block 1 features a “dogtooth” leading edge on the wing, a design choice that creates a vortex over the wing at high angles of attack to improve stability during slow, tight maneuvers.
However, Boeing is already advancing toward “Block 2” operational assets. Future iterations are expected to remove the dogtooth design in favor of a smoother profile. This evolution suggests a prioritization of reduced radar cross-section (stealth) and aerodynamic drag reduction to increase range, moving away from the extreme low-speed maneuverability required in traditional dogfighting.
“This is the first time an autonomous aircraft has completed an air-to-air weapon engagement with an AIM-120 missile, establishing the MQ-28 as a mature combat capable CCA.”
, Amy List, Managing Director, Boeing Defence Australia
Strategic Implications: The Era of “Affordable Mass”
The successful firing of an AMRAAM by an uncrewed system underscores the strategic shift toward “affordable mass.” In a high-intensity conflict, air forces face the challenge of risking expensive manned assets against dense air defense networks. The MQ-28 program aims to solve this by deploying lower-cost drones capable of absorbing risk.
Industry estimates place the cost of an MQ-28 unit between $8 million and $10 million USD. By comparison, a manned F-35A Lightning II costs approximately $80 million to $100 million. This cost differential allows commanders to deploy swarms of CCAs to penetrate contested airspace without risking a pilot or a critical financial asset.
AirPro News Analysis
While this test is a triumph for Australian sovereign capability,marking the first military combat aircraft designed and manufactured in Australia in over 50 years,it also sends a signal to the global market. The United States Navy has previously expressed strong interest in the MQ-28 for its own carrier-based requirements, targeting a unit cost under $15 million.
Furthermore, the test places the MQ-28 in direct competition with other emerging loyal wingman programs. Turkey’s Bayraktar Kızılelma has similarly conducted live missile firings, and China has displayed the FH-97A, which bears a striking visual resemblance to the Ghost Bat. The successful integration of the AIM-120, a standard NATO weapon, positions the MQ-28 as a highly compatible option for Western allies.
“It is a true example of speed-to-capability… The team implemented open architectures… to successfully integrate, test and employ the weapon in a live, operationally relevant scenario in under eight months.”
, Colin Miller, VP for Phantom Works, Boeing
Sources
Photo Credit: Boeing