Boeing Eyes Global Production Sites for MQ-28 Ghost Bat Combat Drone

Our Bureau - : Jul 23, 2026 - : 11:54 am

Boeing is considering establishing multiple production sites around the world for its MQ-28 Ghost Bat autonomous combat aircraft as it seeks international customers while preparing to begin production for the Royal Australian Air Force's (RAAF) first operational fleet.

Speaking at the Farnborough International Airshow 2026, MQ-28 Program Director Glen Ferguson said Boeing favors localized manufacturing over a single centralized production facility, allowing partner countries to build and support the aircraft domestically.

"We'd rather have many small factories building them, localized for countries to meet their own local needs, than having one mega-factory," Ferguson said.

Boeing plans to begin production of the first operational MQ-28 aircraft later this year for delivery to the RAAF, with the company targeting initial operational capability by 2028.

Initial production is expected to start at a rate of two aircraft per month, with capacity able to increase as demand grows, Ferguson said.

The first production aircraft will be the Block 2 variant of the MQ-28 Ghost Bat. Boeing expects to introduce the larger Block 3 configuration around 2029, featuring an expanded wing, increased fuel capacity and a higher maximum takeoff weight of 12,000 pounds, up from 10,000 pounds. The upgraded aircraft will be capable of carrying either two AIM-120 AMRAAM air-to-air missiles or four Small Diameter Bombs.

"The focus is on additional missions, greater range and increased payload," Ferguson said.

Boeing is also promoting the aircraft's modular design, which allows customers to integrate domestically developed weapons and mission systems to meet national requirements.

Ferguson said Boeing is working with European missile manufacturer MBDA on plans to test-fire the Meteor beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile from the MQ-28, part of the company's broader strategy to expand the aircraft's compatibility with allied weapons.

As Boeing pushes into international markets, the company announced that German defense electronics firm Hensoldt has joined its industrial team supporting the MQ-28 campaign in Germany following discussions unveiled at the ILA Berlin Air Show in June.

Boeing also highlighted existing partnerships with Italy's Leonardo, which supplies the aircraft's infrared search-and-track system, and Eaton, which is developing a weapons launcher designed to offer export flexibility for international customers.

The MQ-28 Ghost Bat is one of a new generation of collaborative combat aircraft, or "loyal wingman" drones, designed to operate alongside crewed fighter aircraft by conducting intelligence, surveillance, electronic warfare and strike missions while reducing risk to human pilots.