The MQ-28 Ghost Bat, an unmanned collaborative combat aircraft developed by Boeing Australia, has made its operational debut in the large-force exercise Valiant Shield. The drone is taking part in the Pacific drill, providing a glimpse into how it and future Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCAs) might integrate into coalition operations.
This participation marks a significant step in validating manned-unmanned teaming concepts in a realistic, multi-domain environment. Valiant Shield, a biennial US-led exercise focused on integrating air, land, sea, and cyber forces, serves as a proving ground for the MQ-28's ability to operate alongside fourth- and fifth-generation fighters like the F-35 and F/A-18E/F Super Hornet.
The exercise assesses how the drone can extend sensor range, serve as a loyal wingman, and complicate adversary decision-making. For the US and its allies, including Australia, the MQ-28's role signals a shift towards distributed, low-cost attritable systems that can absorb risk that would otherwise fall on crewed aircraft.
No specific contract values or budget allocations for the MQ-28's participation in Valiant Shield were disclosed. However, the aircraft is part of Australia's broader investment in uncrewed systems, with the Royal Australian Air Force continuing flight testing and operational evaluation under its Air 7000 program.
The MQ-28's debut in a major exercise highlights the accelerating operational relevance of CCAs. Analysts note that while the technology promises increased survivability and mass, questions remain about command-and-control bandwidth, interoperability with allied networks, and the ethical implications of delegating lethal decision-making to autonomous platforms.