Federal election 2022: $454m Ghost Bat aerial vehicles to boost Australian air combat power

Seven Australian-made Ghost Bat aerial vehicles with global technology will join the nation’s defence war chest in a $454m Morrison government deal.

Australia’s air combat capability will be bolstered under a $454m Morrison government investment.

Seven uncrewed autonomous aerial vehicles, made in Australia, will come into service by 2025.

The first Australian-built aircraft in more than 50 years were officially named in a ceremony held at RAAF Base Amberley in March.

The MQ-28A Ghost Bats are the result of a joint partnership between the Royal Australian Air Force and Boeing Defence Australia over the past four years.

Royal Australian Air Force aviators Flight Sergeant Stephan Barchard and Corporal David Grieger (left) stand the MQ-28A Ghost Bat aircraft at RAAF Base Amberley, Queensland. Picture: Department of Defence

Defence Minister Peter Dutton said the rapid development of uncrewed air combat capability could offer potential benefits for allies and partners around the world.

“This investment in world-leading technology further advances Australia’s first-mover status in a highly competitive industry and establishes the Loyal Wingman Program as a serious competitor in key export markets,” Mr Dutton said.

MQ-28A Ghost Bat pictured during flight testing at Woomera, South Australia..

“By sharing technology and leveraging the expertise of our US partners, the MQ-28A aircraft will be interoperable with our allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific region ensuring that our combined air combat forces are enhanced and stand ready to defend Australia and its national interests.”

Defence Minister Peter Dutton addresses the audience at a Ghost Bat naming ceremony at the RAAF Base Amberley, Queensland. Picture: Department of Defence

More than 70 per cent of each aircraft is sourced, designed and manufactured in Australia, with a production facility to be established in Toowoomba, Queensland.

The number of businesses involved in the program will more than double to 81 companies, creating more advanced engineering and high-tech jobs in Brisbane, the aviation and advanced technology sectors.

Two of the seven aircraft are in the flight test program, with a third to be added later this year.

It is the first Australian-built military combat aircraft that has been designed, manufactured and flown in 50 years.

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Originally published as Federal election 2022: $454m Ghost Bat aerial vehicles to boost Australian air combat power