Holy Ghost Bats, Batman! Toowoomba has received a $1 billion Christmas present from the Federal Government.
The Toowoomba region is set to receive a massive economic boost after the Federal Government chose to invest $1.4 billion into the manufacturing of the MQ-28A Ghost Bat drone.
The Ghost Bat drones, an Australian-designed flying machine of death, will be manufactured at Boeing’s new 9000sqm facility, now being built at the Wellcamp Aerospace and Defence Precinct.
Defined as a Collaborative Combat Aircraft because it is designed to be a “wingman” for manned aircraft, a Ghost Bat prototype completed a successful trial at Woomera Test Range recently, where it fired upon an aerial target.
During the test, the Ghost Bat deployed an AIM-120 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile against an Australian-made Phoenix Jet Uncrewed Aerial Target.
The success of the trial led the Australian Defence Force to advance an additional $1.4 billion to Boeing Defence Australia for the manufacture of six operational Block 2 MQ-28A aircraft and the development of a further enhanced prototype.
The Federal Government is planning to invest more than $10 billion on drones over the next decade.
The Ghost Bat program will support more than 440 jobs nationwide, including roles at Boeing Defence Australia and across more than 200 Australian suppliers.
Under the deal, the government will purchase six initial Ghost Bats from Boeing, all of which will be assembled by workers at Wellcamp Airport.
Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles said the contract would help enhance Australia’s defence capabilities.
“Australia is at the forefront of efforts to develop and field autonomous collaborative combat aircraft to provide asymmetric advantage and enhanced fighting depth for existing crewed platforms,’’ Mr Marles said.
“This landmark demonstration proves the MQ-28A Ghost Bat is a world-leading collaborative combat aircraft made and designed in Australia
“The successful weapons demonstration underlines its growing potential to deliver an operational capability for the Royal Australian Air Force.”
Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy said the announcement highlighted that Australia was leading the world in the development of collaborative combat aircraft.
“The Ghost Bat transforms a single fighter jet into a formidable team—capable not only of surveillance but also of engaging adversaries,’’ he said.
“This delivers a vital layer of protection for our aviators who remain our most valuable asset.
“The MQ-28A program is also building a stronger sovereign defence industry and increasing Australia’s resilience with over 70 per cent of this investment remaining on our shores, providing high-tech, high-paying jobs for Australians.”
Boeing’s Wellcamp facility is Boeing’s first assembly facility outside of North America.
Wagner Corporation is developing and managing the construction.
The MQ-28 production facility will include aerospace manufacturing capabilities, including carbon fibre composites manufacture, along with advanced robotic assembly for major components, and final assembly and test capabilities.
