Boeing: MQ-28 completes first international autonomous flight tests in allied airspace over Pacific Ocean [VIDEO]

The autonomous flights took place over the Pacific Ocean and were intended to validate autonomous operations. Boeing said the tests also demonstrated rapid deployment and sustained operations from an allied location.

The deployment marks the MQ-28’s first international operation in allied airspace. Boeing said the activity reflects growing global interest in uncrewed autonomous combat capability.

MQ-28 just went international! 🌏✈️

Three flights from Point Mugu proved rapid allied deployment, autonomous ops and payload integration — paving the way toward exportable uncrewed capability. pic.twitter.com/TpvvLtfnZ0

— Boeing Defense (@BoeingDefense) May 27, 2026

The testing is intended to show that the MQ-28 can operate from allied facilities. Boeing said this helps demonstrate the aircraft’s maturity and its potential for export opportunities outside Australia.

“The activity at Point Mugu is part of Boeing’s ongoing flight test program to mature the MQ-28 and demonstrate operations from allied locations,” said Glen Ferguson, MQ-28 global program director.

“MQ-28 is using this location to further prove the maturity of the program and inform future exportability,” Ferguson said.

The Point Mugu tests validated autonomous systems while following required airspace, range safety and regulatory approvals. Boeing said the aircraft flew three times, with each flight conducted for a specified duration over the Pacific Ocean.

The company said risk was managed through range safety procedures, certified range assets and coordination with authorities. These measures supported the safe conduct of the flight tests in allied airspace.

The MQ-28 is part of a broader Boeing family of systems designed to be modular and affordable while reducing risk to crewed platforms. The aircraft was developed by Boeing Australia and is supported by the Royal Australian Air Force.

Boeing said the MQ-28’s flexible design supports multiple mission sets and payload integration. The company said this allows customers to tailor capabilities to their specific requirements.