MQ-28A Ghost Bat takes flight beyond Woomera: a new chapter in Australian airpower

According to Defence Australia, the Ghost Bat is “the first military aircraft designed and built in Australia in more than 50 years.” The aircraft was developed under Project Air 7003 and represents a strategic push towards sovereign defence innovation.

Flight of the Ghost Bat! ✈️👻🦇

The MQ-28A Ghost Bat achieved first flight outside of Woomera Training area during Exercise Carlsbad.

Ghost Bat is the first military aircraft designed and built in Australia in more than 50 years. #YourADF pic.twitter.com/mO3Y0upyB6

— Defence Australia (@DefenceAust) June 21, 2025

The department described the milestone in bold terms, stating: “The Flight of the Ghost Bat!” The successful mission took place at a remote, undisclosed airfield and demonstrated the aircraft’s capability to operate beyond traditional testing grounds.

Equipped with stealth features, the MQ‑28A is designed to act as a “loyal wingman” flying in support of crewed aircraft. It complements platforms such as the Royal Australian Air Force’s F‑35A and upcoming Next Generation Air Combat systems.

This achievement highlights a departure from Australia’s historical reliance on foreign-built aircraft for combat roles. While earlier Australian defence aviation projects primarily involved imported transport and surveillance assets, the MQ‑28A stands as the first domestically developed fighter-class aircraft since the 1970s.

Project Air 7003 has been seen as a potential catalyst for future local aircraft development and collaboration with international partners. The flight outside Woomera signals growing confidence in the drone’s key technologies, including autonomous navigation, sensor integration, and weapon deployment.

Designed to extend operational reach and enhance lethality while reducing risk to human pilots, the Ghost Bat embodies a new operational philosophy. The latest sortie included takeoff, autonomous manoeuvres, and a successful return-to-base from an undisclosed location.

“The MQ‑28A Ghost Bat, once a concept, now flies operationally beyond its birthplace at Woomera,” the Defence announcement said. The event marks “a watershed in sovereign airpower—and a signal to strategic partners that Australia can build combat drones on its own soil.”