BRISBANE, Queensland, June 1, 2026 — Boeing [NYSE:BA] has confirmed a significant achievement in the development of the MQ-28 collaborative combat aircraft, specifically its stealth performance, which enhances strategic advantages in combat scenarios.
The MQ-28 Ghost Bat is engineered to support existing crewed aircraft by undertaking multiple roles such as surveillance, electronic warfare, and force multiplication, all while maintaining a minimized radar profile. This latest milestone underscores the aircraft’s maturation, survivability, and its capacity to deliver advanced capabilities cost-effectively for contemporary air combat.
“The integration of a highly capable platform with advanced stealth features, autonomy, and artificial intelligence affords air forces unprecedented operational flexibility and mission effectiveness,” stated Brad Thompson, Director for Phantom Works Australia.
Stealth capability is often assessed through Radar Cross Section (RCS) testing, which has been conducted on the MQ-28 to furnish customers with quantifiable and consistent data pertaining to survivability and detection risks. This data not only validates the design and modeling efforts but also bolsters procurement and certification processes, while guiding tactical and countermeasure strategies.
The MQ-28’s RCS significantly reduces the detection range of hostile radars, greatly enhancing the platform’s survivability in contested environments. The successful RCS testing validates the efficacy of the design, production processes, and material choice aimed at minimizing radar detection.
Initiated in 2017, the development of the MQ-28 reached a notable milestone with its first flight in 2021. Since then, it has conducted over 150 flights and various flight demonstrations, such as:
- Displaying interoperability by utilizing two in-flight MQ-28s and one digital aircraft alongside an airborne E-7A Wedgetail to accomplish a mission against a target.
- Executing missions from an operational base at RAAF Base Tindal, showcasing its deployment capabilities to unfamiliar locations.
- Advancing airborne teaming operations involving multiple MQ-28 aircraft.
- Conducting routine flight operations throughout its test phases.
- Teaming with an E-7A and an F/A-18F to autonomously engage and shoot down an airborne target.
- Achieving its first three international operational flight tests in Point Mugu, California, validating its autonomous operations and demonstrating rapid deployment capabilities from allied territories.
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Source: Boeing Defense, Space & Security (2026-06-01 12:00:00)
