iscover
BAE Systems Australia has inked a decade-long heads of agreement with Boeing Defence Australia to supply its sovereign vehicle management system to the MQ-28A Ghost Bat.
The agreement strengthens the collaborative efforts of two of the nation’s key defence players in what has been billed as one of Australia’s most significant aviation programs. The VMS developed by BAE Systems is a critical component of the Ghost Bat, enabling the aircraft to fly autonomously and safely during complex operations.
This content is available exclusively to Australian Aviation members.
A monthly membership is only $5.99 or save with our annual plans.
- Australian Aviation quarterly print & digital magazines
- Access to In Focus reports every month on our website
- Unlimited access to all Australian Aviation digital content
- Access to the Australian Aviation app
- Australian Aviation quarterly print & digital magazines
- Access to In Focus reports every month on our website
- Access to our Behind the Lens photo galleries and other exclusive content
- Daily news updates via our email bulletin
- Unlimited access to all Australian Aviation digital content
- Access to the Australian Aviation app
- Australian Aviation quarterly print & digital magazines
- Access to In Focus reports every month on our website
- Access to our Behind the Lens photo galleries and other exclusive content
- Daily news updates via our email bulletin
The MQ-28A Ghost Bat, formerly Loyal Wingman, is the first combat aircraft to be designed, manufactured, and flown in Australia in over 50 years.
BAE Systems has been involved in the MQ-28A program since 2017, not only in the flight management software but in supplying components for the Ground Control Station and the Independent Flight Termination System – systems essential to the aircraft’s autonomous operations.
Kisa Christensen, director of Red Ochre Autonomy and Sensors at BAE Systems Australia, said: “BAE Systems is proud to be a strategic partner on this innovative sovereign program. We are excited to be at the forefront of future autonomous air capability to ensure Australia and its allies can generate the force required to continually meet their operational needs well into the future.”
The agreement also lays the groundwork for deepened collaboration between the two companies across future capability delivery efforts, which they say will support long-term sovereign industry growth and advanced defence capability for Australia.
The MQ-28A Ghost Bat is designed as an uncrewed teaming aircraft, intended to operate alongside crewed fighter jets as a “force multiplier” in multi-mission air combat scenarios. Equipped with a modular design and advanced sensors, it can undertake a wide range of missions, including reconnaissance, electronic warfare, and surveillance.
Its maiden flight occurred in February 2021, and the flight testing program continues to evolve, with further trials scheduled throughout 2025.
“BAE Systems Australia has been an important capability partner for our Australian industry team,” said Glen Ferguson, Boeing MQ-28 global program director. “Their contribution is vital as we continue to expand the capabilities and global potential of the MQ-28A.”
The Ghost Bat project is part of the Australian government’s broader investment in sovereign defence capability, aligning with the Defence Strategic Review’s focus on technological edge and operational agility in the Indo-Pacific region.
