US eyes shared use of Australia's MQ-28 Ghost Bat drones for future air combat

The US and Australia are exploring allowing US air force pilots to command Australia's MQ-28 Ghost Bat autonomous combat drones during coalition operations.

The MQ-28 Ghost Bat is a Collaborative Combat Aircraft developed by Boeing Defence Australia and the RAAF, measuring 11.7 meters and with a range over 2,000 nautical miles.

Modular nose section allows rapid mission payload swaps for ISR, electronic warfare, force protection, and strike support.

At Valiant Shield exercise, the MQ-28 flew with a US F-15EX Eagle II fighter, and previous airborne control was demonstrated via an E-7A Wedgetail aircraft.

If realized, cross-national control could enhance operational flexibility, interoperability, and combat effectiveness in the Indo-Pacific.