MQ-28 Ghost Bat Marks Breakthrough With First Autonomous Air-to-Air Engagement

An MQ-28 Ghost Bat fires an AIM-120 missile to successfully demonstrate a force integrated air-to-air autonomous weapon engagement. (Boeing) (PRNewsfoto/Boeing)

Aviation News – The MQ-28 Ghost Bat has successfully shot down an airborne target in a fully autonomous mission, marking a significant milestone in the development of Collaborative Combat Aircraft and the future of crewed-uncrewed teaming.

The demonstration highlighted the Ghost Bat’s growing operational maturity as it worked alongside an E-7A and an F/A-18F. The aircraft’s achievement follows ongoing development efforts focused on expanding autonomous capabilities and integrating uncrewed systems into frontline air combat operations.

During the mission, the MQ-28 executed an end-to-end counter-air weapons engagement, showcasing how autonomous decision-making and networked coordination can enhance battlefield effectiveness. The event underscored the strategic value of pairing crewed aircraft with intelligent, uncrewed platforms to extend reach, responsiveness, and survivability.