Saab Joins Boeing's MQ-28 Ghost Bat Team

Saab, a global leader in defense and security solutions, has officially joined Boeing’s MQ-28 Ghost Bat industry team. This partnership marks a significant milestone in the development of cutting-edge unmanned aerial systems (UAS) designed to enhance Australia’s defense capabilities. Boeing’s MQ-28 Ghost Bat, co-developed with the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), is Australia’s first domestically designed and manufactured combat drone, showcasing advanced technology and collaborative effort on a global scale.

Saab’s Role and Contributions

Saab will play a pivotal role in the Ghost Bat program by supplying its state-of-the-art TactiCall Communications Solution. This solution integrates multiple communication technologies into a single, intuitive user interface, enabling seamless, secure sharing of information across various classification levels. Additionally, Saab Sweden will contribute avionics components such as Electro-Mechanical Actuators and Controllers for the Primary Flight Control System, critical for the drone’s operational precision and safety.

Andy Keough, Managing Director of Saab Australia, highlighted the importance of the collaboration, stating, “The Ghost Bat is an exciting program for the Australian defense sector and demonstrates what can be achieved through collaboration between global defense organizations, local businesses, and the Defence Force.”

The MQ-28 Ghost Bat: Key Specifications and Capabilities

The MQ-28 Ghost Bat is a highly versatile unmanned aircraft designed to operate alongside crewed fighter jets, providing enhanced capabilities in mission scenarios. Its key specifications and features include:

• Length: Approximately 11 meters (36 feet).
• Range: Over 3,700 kilometers (2,300 miles), making it ideal for long-range reconnaissance and combat missions.
• Payload Capacity: Flexible payload options for surveillance, combat support, and electronic warfare.
• Speed: Capable of high subsonic speeds, enabling rapid deployment and response.
• Autonomous Capabilities: Equipped with advanced artificial intelligence (AI) for autonomous flight, targeting, and mission adaptability.
• Teamwork with Crewed Aircraft: Designed to complement manned aircraft by sharing mission data and enhancing situational awareness.

The Ghost Bat program has undergone rigorous testing, including successful teaming flights where multiple drones coordinated missions and shared real-time information while airborne.

Collaboration and Local Industry Engagement

Boeing’s commitment to fostering local industry participation has been a cornerstone of the MQ-28 program. Over 200 companies are now part of the initiative, with the number of Australian firms engaged in the platform’s development increasing from 55 to 74 in just one year. Saab’s inclusion brings flight-proven actuation equipment and cutting-edge technology to the project, accelerating progress toward operational readiness.

Glen Ferguson, Boeing MQ-28 Global Program Director, emphasized the significance of this collaboration, saying, “We are incorporating Saab’s flight-proven electromechanical actuation equipment to enable us to work at speed to accelerate our ability to meet operational requirements.”

A Vision for the Future

Launched in 2017, the MQ-28 Ghost Bat program has rapidly advanced from concept to reality, achieving milestones that include design, development, and successful flight demonstrations. The drone’s ability to operate autonomously or in tandem with crewed aircraft positions it as a game-changer in modern aerial combat.

As Boeing and Saab continue to refine the Ghost Bat’s capabilities, the program is poised to deliver a globally competitive platform with applications beyond Australia. This collaboration highlights the importance of international partnerships and innovation in addressing the evolving needs of modern defense forces.