In a landmark test for autonomous combat, Boeing and the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) have announced the first successful firing of a live air-to-air missile from an MQ-28 Ghost Bat Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA). This historic event marks a significant step in integrating uncrewed, autonomous systems into frontline air combat roles.
The mission saw the MQ-28 team up with existing RAAF platforms—an E-7A Wedgetail command aircraft and an F/A-18F Super Hornet fighter—to locate, engage, and destroy a fighter-class target drone over a remote Australian test range. The engagement was conducted using a Raytheon AIM-120 AMRAAM missile.
“This is the first time an autonomous aircraft has completed an air-to-air weapon engagement with an AIM-120 missile, establishing the MQ-28 as a mature combat capable CCA,” stated Amy List, managing director of Boeing Defence Australia. She emphasized that the test proves the advantage specialized CCA platforms bring by increasing operational mass and data exchange while reducing cost and crewed pilot risk.
The complex, multi-platform mission unfolded as follows:
- The MQ-28, E-7A, and F/A-18F launched from separate locations.
- An operator aboard the E-7A Wedgetail assumed remote custodianship of the MQ-28, ensuring safety and maintaining final engagement oversight.
- The crewed F/A-18F teamed with the drone in a combat formation, using its sensors to identify and track the target drone. Targeting data was then shared seamlessly across the networked trio of aircraft.
- Upon receiving authorization from the E-7A, the MQ-28 autonomously adjusted its position, released the AIM-120 missile, and successfully destroyed the target.
Colin Miller, vice president and general manager for Boeing’s Phantom Works division, highlighted the speed of development. “It is a true example of speed-to-capability,” Miller said. “The team implemented open architectures and an advanced digital ecosystem… to successfully integrate, test and employ the weapon in a live, operationally relevant scenario in under eight months.”
He also noted the system’s sophisticated mission autonomy, built on open standards, is designed to integrate with fourth, fifth, and future sixth-generation combat aircraft.
The exercise was a collaborative effort between Boeing, the RAAF, the U.S. Air Force, and industry partners. It demonstrates a rapidly maturing capability where autonomous “loyal wingman” drones like the MQ-28 can operate alongside and significantly augment the firepower and sensing of traditional crewed fighter jets, reshaping future aerial combat strategies.
