US, Australia integrate combat drones for Indo-Pacific security

The United States and Australia are deepening their military ties by integrating Australia's MQ-28 Ghost Bat combat drone into the US Air Force's (USAF) Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program. This significant step allows for potential future operations where US personnel could control Australian drones, fostering a new level of interoperability.

General Kevin Schneider, Commander of Pacific Air Forces (PACAF), highlighted the importance of the MQ-28's participation in the recent Exercise Valiant Shield 2026. The experience gained is crucial for refining the operational concepts for the CCA fleet, which is envisioned as a cornerstone of future American air power. Schneider noted the close collaboration between experimental units developing the CCA platforms and Australia's efforts.

This partnership signifies more than just technology sharing; it's about building high-level interoperability, enabling the two nations' combat platforms to function as a unified force in large-scale conflicts. The USAF's Experimental Operations Unit at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada is leading the development of operational concepts, tactics, techniques, and procedures for the CCA fleet.

The first generation of US CCA is expected to include drones like the General Atomics FQ-42 Dark Merlin and Anduril FQ-44 Fury. While the MQ-28 Ghost Bat, developed by Boeing for the Royal Australian Air Force, is not officially part of the CCA program yet, the USAF has been using it for autonomous technology testing. Australia has received eight MQ-28 Block 1 units, with Boeing developing Block 2 and a significantly redesigned Block 3 version featuring longer wings and internal weapon bays.

During Exercise Valiant Shield 2026, the MQ-28 flew alongside the F-15EX Eagle II. Although direct control of the drone by the F-15EX wasn't confirmed, previous demonstrations by Boeing and the RAAF showed the MQ-28 could be controlled by the E-7A Wedgetail early warning aircraft.

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Our experimental squadron developing the CCA platform is really working very closely with what Australia is doing. The information exchange in testing and development is going very strong.