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Australia Orders Third Tranche of MQ-28 Ghost Bats

December 9, 2025

2 min read

Key Takeaways

Australia orders third tranche of MQ-28 Ghost Bat drones.
Deal worth AUS $754 million (US$500.6 million).
Seven additional drones to be delivered over three years.
MQ-28 successfully engaged and shot down an aerial target.

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Strategic Implications

This order may signal Australia's commitment to autonomous collaborative platforms, which could enhance its air warfare capabilities. The successful engagement of an aerial target suggests the MQ-28's potential as a game-changer in future air combat, and may indicate a shift towards more autonomous systems in military operations.

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What Happened

Australian-Designed Drones Get $500 Million Boost

The Australian government has approved a third tranche of the locally-designed and -built MQ-28 Ghost Bat Collaborative Combat Aircraft from Boeing, in a deal worth AUS $754 million (US$500.6 million). The new order will see Boeing deliver seven additional drones, including the first Block 3 aircraft, over the next three years. The MQ-28 has also successfully engaged and shot down an aerial target, demonstrating its air-to-air capability. According to Breaking Defense, the development of this capability took just over eight months, and the drone was flown semi-autonomously during the test.

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