Boeing Tests MQ-28 Ghost Bat Drone From California Navy Base

Naval Air Station Point Mugu, part of Naval Base Ventura County, provides direct access to the range and is already used for uncrewed aircraft operations including the MQ-4C Triton.

Boeing described the Point Mugu flights as the MQ-28's first international operation in allied airspace. The aircraft used in these tests features a two-tone gray paint scheme and an infrared search and track sensor in the nose. In December, a Pentagon video showed Secretary Pete Hegseth at the base with an MQ-28 visible in the background.

That aircraft displayed an earlier paint scheme with high-visibility orange trim and lacked the IRST sensor. The MQ-28 is a modular design with a swappable nose section. Boeing noted that the tests validate autonomous systems while meeting required airspace, range safety, and regulatory approvals.

The MQ-28 has flown in Australia since 2021.

The Royal Australian Air Force has received eight pre-production Block 1 aircraft. Boeing is now building the first of nine Block 2 drones as a step toward an operational Block 3 version. Block 3 aircraft are planned to be larger with greater range and an internal weapons bay.

Block 1 aircraft have already demonstrated crewed-uncrewed teaming with E-7A Wedgetail aircraft and F/A-18F Super Hornet fighters, as well as a live-fire AIM-120 launch. Boeing has named Japan as a potential customer and is exploring opportunities with other Indo-Pacific countries.

In March, Boeing Australia partnered with Rheinmetall to pitch the Ghost Bat to German forces.

Navy awarded Boeing a contract in September 2025 to develop a conceptual carrier-based Collaborative Combat Aircraft design. In April 2025, Navy Capt. S. has expressed strong interest in leveraging the MQ-28's AI-driven autonomy and modular design. The Navy's CCA plans remain evolving.

Boeing is separately developing the MQ-25 Stingray tanker drone, which flew for the first time in April and is described by the service as a pathfinder for future uncrewed capabilities. >"This testing shows the MQ-28’s ability to operate seamlessly from allied facilities, which helps Boeing demonstrate the aircraft’s maturity and potential export opportunities to international customers outside Australia.