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

In a groundbreaking demonstration, the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) and Boeing successfully conducted a mission involving two in-flight MQ-28 Ghost Bat aircraft and a third digital aircraft, all controlled from an airborne E-7A Wedgetail platform.

During the mission, a single operator onboard the E-7A managed the uncrewed MQ-28s, which emulated their role in flying ahead of and protecting crewed assets.

"This trial showcases family-of-systems integration and the strength of our open systems architecture. It is a critical first step toward seamlessly integrating mission partners' software and communication systems into the E-7A Wedgetail," stated Glen Ferguson, Director of MQ-28 Global Programs. It not only validated a key element of the MQ-28’s operational concept but also demonstrated how collaborative combat aircraft can enhance the role of the E-7A to meet future force requirements. This is yet another tangible proof of the program's maturity."

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

The software used in this trial was developed collaboratively by Boeing Defence Australia, the Defence Science and Technology Group, and the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratories.

Adam Tsacoumangos, Director of Air Dominance Programs for Boeing's Phantom Works, commented, "This has been an exceptional collaborative effort involving organisations from government, contractors, and global partners."

This trial is part of a series of events involving RAAF assets throughout this year, collectively referred to as Capability Demonstration 2025 (CD25). CD25 will demonstrate the operational effectiveness of the MQ-28 and how collaborative combat aircraft will integrate and operate alongside RAAF crewed assets. Future events will involve teaming with additional assets, including the F/A-18F and F-35.