Australia announced Tuesday the signing of a AU$1,4 billion (US$930 million) contract with Boeing Defence Australia for the acquisition of six operational MQ-28 Ghost Bat drones for its defense forces. This order comes after the aircraft's first live-fire test against an aerial target, a milestone considered crucial in the development of this next-generation combat drone.
The Ghost Bat, designed to operate alongside manned fighter jets, marks a significant advancement for Australia's air capabilities. The drone is notably capable of conducting reconnaissance, jamming, and attack missions, while sharing real-time information with manned aircraft.
The contract announcement coincides with strategic consultations in Washington between the Australian and American Ministers of Defense and Foreign Affairs. The two allies agreed to a major strengthening of their military cooperation, notably through the joint production and maintenance of hypersonic cruise missiles on Australian soil. They also announced an increase in US bomber aircraft rotations in the region, as part of their security partnership.
This increase in Australian military capabilities is part of a strategic readjustment in response to growing tensions in the Indo-Pacific. The Ghost Bat, the first combat drone developed in Australia in decades, symbolizes the rise of a national defense industry strengthened by close cooperation with the United States.
