Boeing Unveils MQ-28 Ghost Bat Block 3 With Internal Weapons Bays and Extended Range

The MQ-28 Ghost Bat Block 3, Boeing's third iteration of its collaborative combat aircraft, was unveiled June 10 at the ILA Berlin airshow in Germany. Developed in partnership with Rheinmetall, the Block 3 features a wing 25 percent larger than previous variants, thrust increased from 10,000 to 12,000 pounds, and — critically — a pair of internal weapons bays capable of carrying AIM-120 AMRAAMs or Small Diameter Bombs without compromising the aircraft's low-observable profile. It is the first uncrewed combat aircraft publicly confirmed to carry AMRAAMs internally.

What the Block 3 Brings

The larger wing and added thrust translate into roughly 2,000 additional pounds of fuel, stores, and payload capacity. Operators can configure the aircraft for extended range missions, increased weapons carriage, or a balance of both. "That additional capacity gives operators freedom to balance payload and endurance to configure for the mission at hand," said MQ-28 Global Program Director Glen Ferguson.

Beyond-line-of-sight control is another major upgrade. BLOS links allow the Ghost Bat to be piloted from ground stations, naval vessels, or crewed aircraft at unlimited standoff distances. With an operational range exceeding 2,000 nautical miles, the addition of SATCOM communications ensures the drone can continue independent operations when not under direct control — a role Boeing always envisioned for the platform, and one that becomes essential in contested electronic warfare environments.

Australia Leads, Germany Targets 2029

Australia has already taken delivery of eight Block 1 MQ-28s, configured as pre-production prototypes. Nine Block 2 aircraft are currently in production, serving as the bridge to the fully operational Block 3 configuration. Ferguson said he is "fairly certain" the MQ-28 will be the first operational collaborative combat aircraft anywhere in the world, with RAAF service entry for Block 3 expected by 2028.

The German market is the immediate focus. Boeing and Rheinmetall announced their strategic partnership in March, pitching the Ghost Bat to the Luftwaffe for its CCA requirement. If the German government wants the aircraft by 2029, Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger said contracts would need to be finalized by next year at the latest.

Stealth Validated, Weapons Tested

Boeing recently completed radar cross-section testing on the Block 3, validating that the aircraft remains difficult to detect in contested airspace. The internal weapons bays were revealed in a Boeing video showing the Block 3 with one bay open and Small Diameter Bombs visible inside. The air-to-air role has already been demonstrated — an AIM-120 was launched from an MQ-28 during Trial Kareela at RAAF Base Woomera in Australia, bringing down a target drone in an end-to-end engagement. The platform also carries three external weapons stations, with capacity for up to five AMRAAMs on mixed loadouts.

Competition at the Berlin Airshow

The ILA Berlin floor reflected the intensity of the European CCA race. Airbus debuted a full-scale model of its U760 Ravenstorm, a combat drone designed for air-to-air combat, strike, and electronic warfare roles. General Atomics displayed its Gambit family drone — one of two aircraft selected in the first increment of the U.S. Air Force's own CCA program — and confirmed it's in talks with Germany about its requirements. German firm Helsing revealed the CA-1EA electronic attack variant of its CA-1 Europa drone, which bears a visual resemblance to the Ghost Bat.

What happens in Germany will likely set the template for European CCA procurement. Boeing is positioning the Ghost Bat Block 3 as the most mature, flight-tested option in a crowded field — and with over 150 test sorties already logged, the company has the operational record to back that claim up.

Sources: The War Zone, Boeing Australia, Breaking Defense, Janes