Boeing, RAAF Demonstrate MQ-28 Teaming with E-7A Wedgetail

Rhea-AI Summary

Boeing and the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) achieved a significant milestone in autonomous aircraft operations by successfully demonstrating two MQ-28 Ghost Bat aircraft controlled by a single operator from an E-7A Wedgetail. The trial included control of two physical uncrewed aircraft and one digital aircraft, validating key interoperability requirements and operational capabilities. The demonstration showcased family-of-systems integration and open systems architecture, marking a crucial step toward integrating mission partners' software and communications systems into the E-7A Wedgetail. The trial is part of Capability Demonstration 2025 (CD25), with future events planned to demonstrate integration with F/A-18F and F-35 aircraft.

Positive

• Successful demonstration of controlling multiple uncrewed aircraft from a single operator platform
• Validation of key interoperability requirements and operational capabilities
• Advancement in family-of-systems integration and open systems architecture
• Planned expansion to include integration with F/A-18F and F-35 aircraft

Negative

• None.

Insights

Defense Industry Analyst

Boeing demonstrates critical autonomous aircraft capability that advances its position in the competitive collaborative combat aircraft market.

Boeing has achieved a significant technological milestone with the successful demonstration of two MQ-28 Ghost Bat uncrewed aircraft controlled by a single operator from an E-7A Wedgetail during an operational mission. This represents a breakthrough in autonomous teaming capabilities, validating a key element of Boeing's autonomous systems strategy.

The demonstration's technical achievement is substantial – it validates the company's open systems architecture and proves the integration of family-of-systems technology in a real-world scenario. By enabling a single operator to control multiple uncrewed platforms from an airborne command and control aircraft, Boeing has demonstrated a force multiplier capability that addresses modern air combat requirements without proportional increases in personnel.

This trial is strategically significant in the evolving Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) landscape, where Boeing faces competition from other defense contractors. The demonstration proves Boeing's MQ-28 program maturity ahead of upcoming demonstrations with fighter aircraft like the F/A-18F and F-35. The successful integration of government, contractor and international partner software indicates Boeing's ability to execute complex military technology integration projects.

For context, autonomous teaming capabilities are a priority for multiple air forces globally, aiming to extend capabilities while managing costs and reducing risk to personnel. Boeing's demonstration positions them favorably for future defense contracts in this emerging market segment that could represent significant long-term revenue opportunities in Australia and potentially with other allied nations.

-  Two uncrewed MQ-28 aircraft controlled by single operator onboard an E-7A Wedgetail
-  Successful trial validates key interoperability requirement to meet operational capability

WOOMERA, South Australia, June 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In a first of its kind demonstration, Boeing [NYSE: BA] and the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) have successfully conducted a mission against an airborne target using two in-flight MQ-28 Ghost Bat aircraft and a third digital aircraft, all controlled from an airborne E-7A Wedgetail.

During the mission, a single operator onboard the E-7A took control of the uncrewed MQ-28s emulating the role they play in flying ahead of and protecting crewed assets.

"This trial demonstrates family-of-systems integration, the strength of our open systems architecture, and is a critical first step towards integrating mission partners' software and communications systems natively into the E-7A Wedgetail," said Glen Ferguson, director MQ-28 Global Programs.

"It not only validated a key element of the MQ-28 concept of operations, but also how collaborative combat aircraft can expand and enhance the role of the E-7A to meet future force requirements.

"It is another tangible proof point of the maturity of our program."

Australian Minister for Defence Industry The Honourable Pat Conroy MP acknowledged the milestone saying, "The Ghost Bat has the potential to turn a single fighter jet into a fighting team, with advanced sensors that are like hundreds of eyes in the sky."

The software was jointly developed and implemented by Boeing Defence Australia, Defence Science and Technology Group and the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratories.

"It has been an exceptional collaborative effort across organisations from government, contractors, and global partners," said Adam Tsacoumangos, director of Air Dominance Programs for Boeing's Phantom Works.

This trial is part of a series of events with RAAF assets throughout this year, collectively known as Capability Demonstration 2025 (CD25).

CD25 will demonstrate MQ-28 operational effectiveness and how collaborative combat aircraft will integrate and operate with RAAF crewed assets.

Future events will involve teaming with other assets, including F/A-18F and F-35.

A leading global aerospace company and top U.S. exporter, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. Our U.S. and global workforce and supplier base drive innovation, economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing is committed to fostering a culture based on our core values of safety, quality and integrity.  

Contact
Belinda Egan
Boeing Australia Communications
belinda.h.egan@boeing.com 

Boeing Media Relations
media@boeing.com

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SOURCE Boeing

FAQ

What is Boeing's MQ-28 Ghost Bat and how does it work with the E-7A Wedgetail?

The MQ-28 Ghost Bat is an uncrewed aircraft that can be controlled by a single operator aboard an E-7A Wedgetail. It's designed to fly ahead of and protect crewed assets, effectively turning a single fighter jet into a fighting team with advanced sensors.

What was achieved in Boeing's latest MQ-28 Ghost Bat demonstration?

Boeing and RAAF successfully demonstrated control of two physical MQ-28 Ghost Bat aircraft and one digital aircraft by a single operator from an E-7A Wedgetail, validating key interoperability requirements.

Who developed the software for Boeing's MQ-28 Ghost Bat system?

The software was jointly developed by Boeing Defence Australia, Defence Science and Technology Group, and the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratories.

What are Boeing's future plans for the MQ-28 Ghost Bat program?

Future events under Capability Demonstration 2025 (CD25) will demonstrate MQ-28's integration and operation with other RAAF assets, including F/A-18F and F-35 aircraft.

How does the Boeing MQ-28 Ghost Bat enhance military capabilities?

According to Australia's Defence Industry Minister, the Ghost Bat can transform a single fighter jet into a fighting team, providing advanced sensors that act like hundreds of eyes in the sky.