In a significant step for national security, the government is directing $1 billion towards the full-scale production of the nation’s first locally developed military aircraft in fifty years. The purchase of six "Ghost Bat" stealth drones is intended to enhance drone warfare capacity and transform the future of uncrewed combat and defence autonomy.
This initiative coincides with the acceleration of two major drone programs led by the airforce and the navy. The Ghost Bat, officially named the MQ-28A, is built to operate alongside piloted aircraft such as the F-35 fighter jet. Its role is to expand operational reach, improve surveillance, and increase targeting accuracy in hostile environments.
The Ghost Bat has an estimated range of over 3700 kilometres and is projected to cost between $12 million and $15 million per unit, which is significantly lower than the $135 million cost of an F-35. Funding includes a production contract with Boeing Defence Australia to manufacture six operational units, following a successful test flight where the drone was remotely coordinated with a Wedgetail aircraft.
The long-term aim is to make the Ghost Bat a key element of Australia’s deterrence strategy in an increasingly drone-driven battlefield. While the drone is currently focused on surveillance, officials have indicated that it may be armed in future. Since 2019, $2.3 billion has already been spent on drone development. Defence spending on drones is expected to rise to $10 billion over the next ten years. The investment also supports the proposal to establish a "wall of drones" across northern Australia to defend against air and missile threats.
