US Tests Ghost Bat's Ability to Operate without Permanent Base

US tests Ghost Bat's ability to operate without permanent base

Boeing’s MQ-28 Ghost Bat completed multiple operational sorties during Valiant Shield 2026, testing how the uncrewed aircraft could deploy and fly from an austere Pacific location. From June 21 to July 1, the U.S. Air Force’s Experimental Operations Unit operated the aircraft at Rota in the Northern Mariana Islands, with support from the 21st Air Expeditionary Wing. The 11-day deployment evaluated the personnel, infrastructure and resources requ…

Boeing MQ-28 Ghost Bat flies multiple sorties from austere Pacific base, testing U.S. Air Force expeditionary combat operations

The U.S. Air Force’s Experimental Operations Unit integrated the MQ-28 at Rota in the Northern Mariana Islands from June 21 to July 1. The 21st Air Expeditionary Wing supplied the infrastructure and sustainment needed for flight operations. The deployment placed the Ghost Bat within a large-force exercise under operationally relevant conditions. It also examined the power, fuel, communications and security requirements needed to support the airc…