Full Breakdown
Boeing positions MQ-28 Ghost Bat for UK Collaborative Combat Aircraft programme
7/16/2026, 12:37:26 AM
Core Event: Pitch at Farnborough Airshow
During the Farnborough International Airshow (20-24 July 2026), Boeing used its stand to showcase the MQ-28 Ghost Bat, an Australian-developed uncrewed collaborative combat aircraft (CCA), as a candidate for the United Kingdom’s forthcoming CCA programme. In a pre-show briefing on 13 July, Boeing Defence UK managing director Thom Breckenridge highlighted the platform’s relevance to the UK armed forces, while fixed-wing director Ben Kelsey promoted the company’s T-7A Red Hawk trainer as a separate solution for the RAF jet-training system.
Background & Context
The MQ-28 programme began in 2019, with the first flight at RAAF Base Woomera in 2021. By 2025 the aircraft had logged 100 flights and was being integrated with other assets. In June 2026 it participated in Exercise Valiant Shield, operating alongside F-35A/B, F-15EX, E-3, E-2D, EA-18G and RC-135 platforms, marking the first multinational joint operational use of a CCA. Australia remains the sole confirmed customer, having contracted 18 aircraft across three production tranches, the latest order covering six Block 2 aircraft and an enhanced Block 3 prototype.
The UK’s Defence Investment Plan (DIP) earmarks £300 million to develop a national autonomous combat aircraft capability, describing a “demonstration activity” that will see a UK-based system flown before 2030. The DIP, however, does not contain a formal request for proposals (RFP) or definitive acquisition details.
Data & Statistics
- Development start: 2019
- First flight: 2021 (RAAF Woomera)
- Cumulative flights by 2025: 100 +
- Exercise Valiant Shield (June 2026): operated with at least eight allied platforms
- Australian order: 18 aircraft (6 Block 2, 1 Block 3 prototype)
- Planned upgrades: 25 % larger wing, internal weapons stations, beyond-line-of-sight communications via a spiral-upgrade roadmap
Official Statements & Responses
Boeing officials repeatedly stressed the Ghost Bat’s maturity and potential fit for UK requirements. Breckenridge said the platform’s capability and maturity align with the UK armed forces and that Boeing Defence UK could serve as a key sustainment partner, especially for payload integration. Kelsey argued that the T-7A Red Hawk offers a combined aircraft-and-ground-training solution that surpasses competing offers for the RAF’s jet-training system. Boeing also pledged to channel as much work as possible to UK suppliers as the RFP evolves.
Criticism & Opposition
No explicit criticism appears in the available material. The principal limitation noted is the absence of a formal RFP, leaving the procurement pathway undefined.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources agree that the UK has allocated funding for a CCA demonstration but differ on the level of commitment: the DIP outlines a demonstration activity without specifying a purchase, and Boeing has not confirmed an official bid. Consequently, the likelihood of the MQ-28 being selected remains uncertain.
Why It Matters / Impact
If the MQ-28 were selected, Boeing Defence UK would likely adapt the system to meet UK sovereignty and industrial requirements, integrating British mission systems, establishing local sustainment, and involving UK SMEs in final assembly or modification. Such a partnership could deepen the UK-Australia defence collaboration and provide a pathway for British suppliers to participate in advanced unmanned combat technology.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We definitely see some applicability in terms of its capability, and certainly in terms of its maturity to the UK armed forces,” — Thom Breckenridge, Managing Director, Boeing Defence UK
- “BD UK could be an important partner in sustainment and potentially other pieces, when we think payload or otherwise,” — Thom Breckenridge
- “We think it’s the best answer for the UK’s JTS [jet training system] competition,” — Ben Kelsey, Fixed-wing Director, Boeing Defence UK
- “It brings not just an aircraft but a ground-based training system, and synthetic alongside live training, in a way that we think answers the UK’s needs better than any other solution.” — Ben Kelsey
- “The maturity of the platform relative to competitors sets it apart,” — Thom Breckenridge
- “BDUK could be an important partner in terms of sustainment, in terms of potentially other pieces of that when we think payload or otherwise with respect to MQ-28,” — Thom Breckenridge
