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Ghost Bat Drones Take Flight in $1 Billion Bid to Modernise Military
The Australian government commits $1 billion to produce six Block 2 MQ-28A Ghost Bat drones, creating over 440 skilled jobs and enhancing autonomous combat capabilities.
- On Tuesday, the Albanese Government will announce it is investing over $1 billion to move the MQ-28A Ghost Bat from prototype to a fully operational fleet and sign contracts with Boeing Defence Australia for six Block 2 aircraft.
- The Royal Australian Air Force describes the MQ-28A Ghost Bat as a 'pathfinder' for integrating autonomous systems, with the Albanese Government investing $2.34 billion since 2019 within a broader $1.7 billion drone plan.
- Throughout 2025, test activity includes over 130 flights totaling 150 hours, 20,000 hours of simulated missions, and 10 Block I and II Ghost Bats built, with a reported successful missile firing.
- Officials say delivery of initial aircraft will lay the foundation for the Royal Australian Air Force's operational capability, supporting over 440 skilled jobs and more than 35 Australian companies.
- A 2023 collaboration with the United States bolstered the program, while the Australian Strategic Policy Institute welcomed investment but warned the Ghost Bat and Ghost Shark would not create the 'drone wall'; AUSMIN talks may prompt more spending and a Pentagon review.
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17 Articles
17 Articles
Sydney Morning Herald+2 Reposted by 2 other sources
Ghost Bat drones take flight in $1 billion bid to modernise military
The successful firing of an air-to-air missile on an aerial target in test exercises has paved the way for a major investment in the Ghost Bat program.
·Sydney, Australia
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$1.4 billion boost for domestic MQ-28A Ghost Bat manufacturing
The Australian Government has confirmed it will invest approximately $1.4 billion to advance the Australian-designed and manufactured MQ-28A Ghost Bat, aiming to transition the collaborative combat aircraft into full operational capability for the Royal Australian Air Force.
Coverage Details
Total News Sources17
Leaning Left3Leaning Right5Center0Last UpdatedBias Distribution62% Right
Bias Distribution
- 62% of the sources lean Right
62% Right
L 38%
R 62%
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