The MQ‑28A Ghost Bat combat drone successfully fired an AIM‑120 air-to-air missile in a live-fire test, as Australia signed a multimillion-dollar contract with Boeing Defence Australia for six drones—a milestone that underscores a major step forward in autonomous combat aviation.

Why It Matters

Boeing has accelerated the MQ‑28 program as it seeks to ramp up production. The next-generation stealth, unmanned collaborative combat aircraft (CCA), also known as "loyal wingman" drones , fly alongside human pilots, boosting range, endurance and situational awareness while lowering pilot risk and providing safer and more cost-effective operations.

What To Know

The mission was part of a "crewed-uncrewed teaming" exercise, pairing the Ghost Bat with a manned E‑7A Wedgetail early warning aircra

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