The MQ-28 Ghost Bat, a collaborative combat aircraft (CCA) developed by Boeing, has just gotten a major upgrade. The Block 3 iteration, unveiled at the ILA Berlin airshow, boasts a 25% larger wing, increased fuel and payload capacity, beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) capability, and internal weapons bays. This is a significant development, as it means the Ghost Bat can carry munitions without compromising its low-observable characteristics. The internal weapons bays can accommodate a single AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM) or two Small Diameter Bomb (SDB) precision-guided munitions. This makes the Ghost Bat the first CCA capable of carrying AIM-120s internally, a major milestone in the field of military technology. The addition of BLOS capability further enhances the drone's operational flexibility, allowing it to be controlled from unlimited standoff distances and conduct independent operations. The Ghost Bat's ability to carry a mix of air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons, combined with its stealth features and advanced autonomy, makes it a formidable asset for air forces. The Block 3 version is already supported by Australia, which plans to upgrade its earlier aircraft to the same standard. The Ghost Bat is expected to be in service with the Royal Australian Air Force in 2028, and it may be the first operational CCA anywhere in the world. The drone's development and deployment reflect the rapid maturation of the CCA market, with Boeing and Rheinmetall partnering to offer the Ghost Bat to the German military. However, the competition is fierce, with Airbus, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, and German firm Helsing all showcasing their own combat drones at the ILA Berlin airshow. The future of the Ghost Bat remains uncertain, as Germany's CCA requirements are still being defined, and any procurement will have to navigate decision-makers in the government. Nonetheless, the Block 3 version of the Ghost Bat is a significant step forward in the evolution of military technology, offering unprecedented mission effectiveness and operational flexibility for air forces around the world.
