The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) and Boeing have carried out the first operational deployment of the MQ-28 autonomous combat aircraft to an active air base, marking a new phase in testing the platform’s operational flexibility.
During Exercise Carlsbad at RAAF Base Tindal in Australia's Northern Territory, the MQ-28 was deployed and operated in an unfamiliar setting, aiming to validate its ability to function under real-world conditions. The deployment took place in April and involved transporting the aircraft via a C-17, setting up operational capabilities, conducting flights, and redeploying — all within a one-week window.
Glen Ferguson, Boeing Defence Australia’s MQ-28 Global Program Director, described the exercise as a key step in proving the aircraft’s deployability and role within broader force structures. According to Ferguson, the team worked with various defence units and agencies to assess how the MQ-28 could be integrated alongside crewed assets.
The MQ-28A Ghost Bat was observed on the tarmac during the exercise, with other aircraft such as the F-35A Lightning II also participating in training activities. The exercise is seen as part of ongoing efforts to prepare the MQ-28 for future missions within Australia's evolving air combat strategy.