Australian-developed unmanned combat aerial vehicle representing world-first loyal wingman concept and major Australian defense industrial achievement. Ghost Bat (formerly Loyal Wingman) developed by Boeing Australia for Royal Australian Air Force as unmanned teammate for manned fighters including F-35A. Features autonomous flight, sensor package, potential weapons carriage, modular mission systems, low-observable design. Range exceeding 3,700 km. First flight 2021 with development ongoing through mid-2020s. Concept involves operating alongside manned fighters providing additional sensors, weapons, electronic warfare, expendable asset for high-risk missions. Represents revolutionary approach to air combat leveraging AI and unmanned systems. Australian design and production provides sovereign capability and potential export opportunities. Programme closely watched globally as model for future air combat.
- First military combat drone developed in Australia in 50+ years
- Designed to team with F-35 as autonomous wingman
- Modular nose section allows rapid mission reconfiguration
- Attritable design — lower cost than manned fighters, acceptable to lose
- Pathfinder for autonomous combat aircraft globally
- Still in development; not yet operational
- Autonomous AI decision-making maturity uncertain
- Limited payload compared to manned fighters
- C2 link vulnerability in contested electronic warfare environments
- No combat track record; doctrines still being developed
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