Boeing and the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) have successfully completed a landmark demonstration in South Australia, showcasing the operational integration of uncrewed and crewed air platforms. As part of Capability Demonstration 2025 (CD25), two MQ-28 Ghost Bat aircraft and a third digital twin were controlled in-flight from an airborne E-7A Wedgetail, marking a first in collaborative combat aviation, according to a Boeing statement.
The mission involved a single operator aboard the E-7A assuming control of the MQ-28s as they executed simulated combat roles—flying ahead to detect and potentially intercept airborne threats, effectively extending the operational reach of crewed aircraft. This trial highlighted how unmanned systems like the Ghost Bat can act as force multipliers, protecting crewed platforms and enhancing real-time decision-making.
“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 communication systems directly into the E-7A Wedgetail,” said Glen Ferguson, director of MQ-28 Global Programs at Boeing.
Ferguson emphasized that the trial not only validated the MQ-28’s core concept of operations but also demonstrated how such autonomous platforms can enhance the capabilities of the E-7A and meet evolving force requirements. He called it “tangible proof” of the program’s maturity.
Australian Minister for Defence Industry, The Honourable Pat Conroy MP, welcomed the milestone, stating, “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 command-and-control software for the operation was co-developed by Boeing Defence Australia, the Australian Defence Science and Technology Group, and the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratories. The trial is a culmination of close collaboration among government, defense contractors, and international partners.
“This has been an exceptional collaborative effort across organisations, both governmental and industrial,” said Adam Tsacoumangos, director of Air Dominance Programs at Boeing’s Phantom Works.
The demonstration is one of several events under the broader CD25 program, which aims to evaluate the MQ-28 Ghost Bat’s operational effectiveness and demonstrate how collaborative combat aircraft can seamlessly integrate with RAAF crewed platforms. Future demonstrations in the CD25 series will feature coordinated operations with the F/A-18F Super Hornet and the F-35 Lightning II.
Boeing, a global aerospace leader and top U.S. exporter, continues to invest in advanced defense technologies that serve over 150 countries. With a strong focus on safety, quality, and innovation, the company plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of autonomous and crewed air combat operations.
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
