Boeing will supply additional Block 2 and Block 3 MQ-28s to help build an operational capability by 2028. The company will also continue work on the broader capability system and supporting infrastructure designed to supplement existing crewed aircraft within the RAAF.
The Program of Record follows a development phase that produced eight MQ-28 Ghost Bats and several mission payload modules, with three additional Block 2 aircraft in final production or testing. Boeing described the new contract as the next step in moving the platform from development into operational use.
“MQ-28 is the most mature CCA program in allied nations, and this latest investment by the Australian Government provides for the development of the next generation of CCA technology and the delivery of an operational capability for Australia,” said Amy List, Boeing Defence Australia managing director. She added: “We’ve already implemented an accelerated capability and successfully proved how the MQ-28 fits into the force mix.”
“This agreement further cements our MQ-28 partnership with the Royal Australian Air Force and Australian industry through to 2028,” List said. Boeing highlighted that MQ-28 originated from a collaboration between the RAAF, the Defence Science and Technology Group and Boeing Australia.
The Australian Government has invested more than AUD$1 billion in the programme to date, with 70 per cent of expenditure flowing to a team of more than 200 Australian industry partners. The latest contract formalises continued development of the Ghost Bat as an operational asset for Australia.
