Boeing Australia

The Ghost Bat is a Collaborative Combat Aircraft with fighter-like performance. In addition to acting as a loyal wingman to crewed and uncrewed aircraft, it is designed to support surveillance, intelligence and reconnaissance missions.

The Ghost Bat is the first combat aircraft designed, engineered and manufactured in Australia in more than 50 years. In recognition of its future significance to our defence force, the Australian Government has partnered with Boeing throughout the aircraft’s development. The aircraft made its first flight in February 2021.

Construction of the 9,000 square metre facility is being undertaken by Wagner Corporation on Boeing’s behalf. Early works commenced in March 2024 and construction will support approximately 200 jobs. The facility is expected to be operational in the next 3 years.

In 2020, the Queensland Government secured an agreement with Boeing to ensure the future facility would be established in Queensland, subject to market orders. This builds on a 30-year existing partnership that has resulted in Boeing’s significant operations in Queensland that, as of April 2024, supports approximately 2,400 employees. The Ghost Bat facility is another significant commitment to Boeing’s future here in Queensland and will support the creation of at least another 100 highly skilled advanced manufacturing jobs.

As a project of global significance, it is expected the Ghost Bat project could benefit the Queensland economy by up to $1 billion over 10 years. It will expand Queensland’s defence and advanced manufacturing expertise and strengthen Australia’s sovereign capabilities.

The project further delivers on the government’s Queensland Defence Industries 10-Year Roadmap and Action Plan. It also consolidates Queensland’s position as the best location for significant, next-generation defence projects.

Ghost Bat MQ-28 in flight, Image courtesy of the Commonwealth of Australia, Department of Defence

Artist impression of Boeing Australia’s MQ-28 Ghost Bat production facility