• Australia’s missile-capable ‘Ghost Bat’ unmanned aircraft moves toward operational reality The Ghost Bat is intended to team with aircraft such as the F-35 Lightning II, the F/A-18F Super Hornet, and the E-7A Wedgetail. • Australia is moving ahead with the next phase of its MQ-28A “Ghost Bat” collaborative combat aircraft program. • The country is expanding production as the system transitions from prototype testing toward operational capability, according to reports. • The aircraft is being developed for the Royal Australian Air Force as an uncrewed platform. • It’s currently being designed to operate alongside piloted jets, increasing combat mass while reducing risk to human crews. • Under a recent multi-year investment package worth roughly A$754 million, additional Block 2 aircraft and the first Block 3 variant are being funded, with plans that could see about ten aircraft available for service before the end of the decade.
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