Boeing unveiled the next Block 3 version of its MQ‑28A Ghost Bat drone, expanding the platform for the Royal Australian Air Force and other Indo‑Pacific buyers. The upgrade adds an internal weapons bay, larger wingspan, and higher fuel capacity, positioning the aircraft as a cost‑effective collaborative combat asset.

During the Singapore Airshow, program director Glen Ferguson highlighted the drone’s modular design, noting it can carry an AIM‑120 AMRAAM or two GBU‑39 Small Diameter Bombs. A recent live‑fire test at RAAF Base Woomera demonstrated the Ghost Bat autonomously engaging a target, showcasing its potential as a loyal wingman.

Block 3’s wingspan grows from 20 to 24 feet, boosting range by roughly 30 percent and enabling longer patrols across the vast Pacific. Boeing hints at future aerial‑refueling receptacles, which could extend on‑station time but add cost. Japan has expressed interest, signaling a broader regional push for unmanned combat platforms.

For defense contractors, the Ghost Bat’s open architecture offers a low‑entry point for allies, potentially driving a new wave of sales beyond the U.S. Navy’s test squadron. Investors eye the program’s commercial upside, while policymakers weigh the risk of falling behind as regional powers race to field collaborative combat aircraft.