MQ-28 Ghost Bat by Boeing: status and timeline

MQ-28 Ghost Bat

Demonstrate that unmanned combat aircraft at fighter class can operate autonomously alongside manned fighters, extend reach and persistence, and lower pilot workload in contested airspace.

PilotStage 3 of 5

Block 2 production began 2026 in Queensland. IOC targeted 2028.

Checked 11 Oct0 updates this week

Milestones

Next · Block 2 production begins at Toowoomba

Ghost Bat first flight (Block 1 prototype)2020Complete.
First live air-to-air missile firing testNov 2025Complete.
Block 2 production begins at ToowoombaTarget 2026Current milestone.
Block 2 rollout and first delivery to RAAFTarget Dec 2026Not yet reached.
Initial Operational Capability (IOC)Target 2028Not yet reached.
Block 3 larger variant introductionTarget 2029Not yet reached.

Upcoming

2026Block 2 production begins at Toowoomba (next)
Dec 2026Block 2 rollout and first delivery to RAAF
2028Initial Operational Capability (IOC)
2029Block 3 larger variant introduction

Current obstacles

Autonomous weapons regulatory frameworkInternational military law (laws of war) and national rules of engagement are still being written for unmanned combat aircraft with autonomous weapons.
Integration with RAAF doctrineThe RAAF must retrain pilots and update tactics to operate manned-unmanned formations effectively in different scenarios.

Physics limits

Satellite link latencyIf the Ghost Bat relies on satellite uplink for control, latency limits real-time pilot input, so autonomy is necessary but also shifts decision-making responsibility.
Airframe fatigueA small, efficient airframe can carry only so much fuel and payload. Extended range requires either larger aircraft (Block 3) or air-to-air refueling.

How it works

3 parts

Autonomous flight

Independent navigation and targeting

Flies pre-planned routes and executes weapons autonomously, with pilot override.

Loyal wingman concept

Manned-unmanned teaming

A pilot manages multiple Ghost Bats as autonomous teammates, extending reach and reducing workload.

Weapons integration

Fighter-class payload

Block 2 can carry and deploy air-to-air missiles (AIM-120) and air-to-ground munitions, demonstrating autonomous targeting and engagement capability.

Spec sheet

Spec	MQ-28 Ghost Bat
Block 2 maximum takeoff weight	10,000 lb^R (reported)
Block 3 maximum takeoff weight	12,000 lb^R (reported)
Initial production rate	2 aircraft per month^R (reported)

^R reported by the company

About Boeing

The team behind MQ-28 Ghost Bat

Boeing

Starliner crew capsule, SLS core stage

Boeing builds airliners, defence systems and spacecraft. In space it builds Starliner, a crew capsule for Space Station flights, and the core stage of NASA's SLS Moon rocket.

Builds Starliner, NASA's second crew capsule; on its 2024 crew test thrusters failed and the crew flew home on Dragon.
Next Starliner flight is cargo-only (Dec 2026 to Jan 2027); crewed flights are due to resume in 2028.
Builds the core stage of NASA's SLS rocket, which launched Artemis II in April 2026.

boeing.com (opens boeing.com)Company profile →

Founded: 1916110 yrs
Headquarters: United States
Status: Public
Listed: BA (opens google.com)NYSE
Valuation: $172Bmarket capJun 2026
Staff: ~172,000
Works in: SpaceflightCrew & stations
Coverage: 6 programs · 11 updateslatest 12d agochecked 11 Oct
Customers: NASA (opens nasa.gov)
Suppliers: Aerojet Rocketdyne (opens rocket.com)
People: Kelly Ortberg (opens boeing.com)CEO & President

Spec

MQ-28 Ghost Bat

Block 2 maximum takeoff weight

10,000 lb^R (reported)

Block 3 maximum takeoff weight

12,000 lb^R (reported)

Initial production rate

2 aircraft per month^R (reported)