Boeing’s [NYSE: BA] MQ-28 Ghost Bat has participated in Exercise Valiant Shield alongside F-35A, F-35B, F-15EX, HC-130, E-3, E-2D, EA-18G, RC-135, and various other joint and coalition aircraft becoming the first and only collaborative combat aircraft (CCA) deployed to a multinational, joint operational exercise. During Valiant Shield 2026 in June, the Australian-developed MQ-28 Ghost Bat integrated with forces from the U.S. Pacific Command to support the USAF’s Experimental Operations Unit’s CCA integration objectives. The aircraft participated alongside crewed platforms as they refined tactics, techniques and procedures around the Marianas Island Range Complex in the Western Pacific region.
“Having MQ-28 participate in such a significant military training exercise is a first, and this is just the start of demonstrating how advanced human-machine teaming extends the reach and awareness of crewed platforms and enhances joint force operations. We’ve proven that it’s combat capable and now U.S. military, along with allied and partner forces, are able to test it first-hand and experience the value and advantage that CCA bring to the force mix,” said Steve Parker, president and chief executive officer of Boeing Defense, Space & Security.
“MQ-28 Ghost Bat is the most proven, mature CCA in allied nations and this latest demonstration highlights our readiness to bring this Australian-developed capability to global air forces,” said Amy List, vice president and managing director, Boeing Defence Australia.
As part of Boeing’s broader family of systems, MQ-28 has been developed using open mission systems and government reference architectures which allow defence forces to rapidly integrate sovereign payloads for their specific mission requirements. It is designed to team with 4th, 5th, and 6th-generation aircraft to enhance the capabilities of the entire fleet. Valiant Shield is a biennial exercise focused on integrating the joint force, fostering real-world proficiency in detecting, locating, tracking, and engaging units at sea, in the air, on land, and in cyberspace in response to a range of mission areas. Such exercises are critical in ensuring the interoperability and interchangeability elements of MQ-28 and proving the ability to deploy and integrate into a joint force.
The Boeing MQ-28 Ghost Bat, previously known as the Boeing Airpower Teaming System (ATS), is a stealth, multirole, unmanned combat aerial vehicle under development by Boeing Australia for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). It is designed as a force multiplier aircraft capable of flying alongside crewed aircraft for support as part of an integrated system (loyal wingman) including space-based capabilities,and performing autonomous missions independently using artificial intelligence. As of 2025, the aircraft are designed and built in Melbourne at Boeing Aerostructures Australia with future production planned in Wellcamp, Toowoomba. The wing is Boeing’s largest resin-infused single composite component, featuring electromechanical actuators and controllers for the primary flight control system, and has a modular, swappable mission nose package system.
