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Ghost Bat Drones Take Flight in $1 Billion Bid to Modernise Military
The Australian government commits $1 billion to produce six Block 2 MQ-28A Ghost Bat drones, creating over 440 skilled jobs and enhancing autonomous combat capabilities.
- On Tuesday, the Albanese Government will announce it is investing over $1 billion to move the MQ-28A Ghost Bat from prototype to a fully operational fleet and sign contracts with Boeing Defence Australia for six Block 2 aircraft.
- The Royal Australian Air Force describes the MQ-28A Ghost Bat as a 'pathfinder' for integrating autonomous systems, with the Albanese Government investing $2.34 billion since 2019 within a broader $1.7 billion drone plan.
- Throughout 2025, test activity includes over 130 flights totaling 150 hours, 20,000 hours of simulated missions, and 10 Block I and II Ghost Bats built, with a reported successful missile firing.
- Officials say delivery of initial aircraft will lay the foundation for the Royal Australian Air Force's operational capability, supporting over 440 skilled jobs and more than 35 Australian companies.
- A 2023 collaboration with the United States bolstered the program, while the Australian Strategic Policy Institute welcomed investment but warned the Ghost Bat and Ghost Shark would not create the 'drone wall'; AUSMIN talks may prompt more spending and a Pentagon review.
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15 Articles
15 Articles
Sydney Morning Herald+2 Reposted by 2 other sources
Ghost Bat drones take flight in $1 billion bid to modernise military
The successful firing of an air-to-air missile on an aerial target in test exercises has paved the way for a major investment in the Ghost Bat program.
·Sydney, Australia
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Air Force’s Ghost Bat combat drone program given official go
The Australian Government will contribute an additional $1.4 billion to transition the Ghost Bat from a developmental program into an operational capability. Photo: Screenshot. After a six-year joint development program, the MQ-28 Ghost Bat uncrewed collaborative combat aircraft program has been given the go-ahead to enter production. Developed by Boeing Defence Australia and jointly funded by the Royal Australian Air Force, the announcement tha…
Coverage Details
Total News Sources15
Leaning Left3Leaning Right5Center0Last UpdatedBias Distribution62% Right
Bias Distribution
- 62% of the sources lean Right
62% Right
L 38%
R 62%
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