The future of maritime in-flight human-machine teaming came a little closer during Exercise Valiant Shield 2026 in the shape of Boeing’s MQ-28 Ghost Bat.
The autonomous uncrewed aerial system (UAS) became the first collaborative combat aircraft (CCA) to be integrated into a multinational joint force during Valiant Shield 26.
The Ghost Bat integrated with forces from the U.S. Pacific Command and flew alongside a range of other crewed platforms including F-35A and F-35B stealth fighters, and other aircraft including F-15EXs, HC-130s, E-3s, E-2Ds, EA-18Gs, and RC-135s.
As per a Boeing press statement: “The aircraft participated alongside crewed platforms as they refined tactics, techniques and procedures around the Marianas Island Range Complex in the Western Pacific region.
“Such exercises are critical in ensuring the interoperability and interchangeability elements of MQ-28 and proving the ability to deploy and integrate into a joint force.”
President and CEO of Boeing Defense, Space & Security Steve Parker commented: “Having MQ-28 participate in such a significant military training exercise is a first, and this is just the start of demonstrating how advanced human-machine teaming extends the reach and awareness of crewed platforms and enhances joint force operations.”
He added: “We’ve proven that it’s combat capable and now U.S. military, along with allied and partner forces, are able to test it first-hand and experience the value and advantage that CCA bring to the force mix.”
And vice president and managing director of Boeing Defence Australia Amy List added: “MQ-28 Ghost Bat is the most proven, mature CCA in allied nations and this latest demonstration highlights our readiness to bring this Australian-developed capability to global air forces.”
This year’s Valiant Shield ran between June 22 and July 1 and was the tenth iteration of the exercise, which was first conducted 20 years ago. The multi-domain exercise involved aircraft, ships and submarines from New Zealand, Australia, Canada, Japan and the United States.
- You can read more details on the Boeing website
