Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, July 7, 2026 — Boeing’s MQ-28 Ghost Bat has made its mark by participating in Exercise Valiant Shield alongside an impressive array of aircraft, including F-35A, F-35B, F-15EX, HC-130, E-3, E-2D, EA-18G, RC-135, and numerous other joint and coalition platforms. This deployment makes the MQ-28 the first and only collaborative combat aircraft (CCA) to take part in such a multinational, joint operational exercise.
During the June event, the Australian-developed MQ-28 integrated seamlessly with forces from the U.S. Pacific Command, underscoring its role in supporting the U.S. Air Force’s Experimental Operations Unit’s objectives for CCA integration.
The aircraft engaged with crewed platforms as they honed tactics, techniques, and procedures within the Marianas Island Range Complex in the Western Pacific. These exercises are critical for demonstrating the interoperability and adaptability of the MQ-28, affirming its capability to be deployed and integrated into joint forces effectively.
“The participation of MQ-28 in such a major military training exercise represents a significant milestone,” stated Steve Parker, president and chief executive officer of Boeing Defense, Space & Security. “This is just the beginning of showcasing how advanced human-machine teaming can extend the operational reach and situational awareness of crewed platforms, ultimately enhancing joint force operations.”
Parker further emphasized, “We have established that it is combat capable, enabling U.S. military personnel, along with allied and partner forces, to evaluate it firsthand and appreciate the advantages that CCAs provide to the overall force composition.”
The MQ-28 is part of Boeing’s extensive family of systems and has been developed employing open mission systems and government reference architectures. This design approach allows defense forces to swiftly integrate sovereign payloads tailored to specific mission needs. It is engineered to collaborate with 4th, 5th, and 6th-generation aircraft, augmenting the entire fleet’s capabilities.
“MQ-28 Ghost Bat stands out as the most proven and mature CCA among allied nations, and this latest demonstration underscores our readiness to deliver this Australian-developed capability to air forces around the globe,” remarked Amy List, vice president and managing director of Boeing Defence Australia.
Exercise Valiant Shield is a biennial training event aimed at integrating the joint force and enhancing real-world proficiency in detecting, locating, tracking, and engaging units across maritime, aerial, terrestrial, and cyberspace domains, addressing a variety of mission scenarios.
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Contact
Belinda Egan
Boeing Australia Communications
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Boeing Media Relations
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Source: Boeing Defense, Space & Security (2026-07-07 13:48:00)
