The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) has successfully concluded Exercise Carlsbad at Base Tindal in the Northern Territory, marking the MQ-28A Ghost Bat’s first deployment and operation outside its usual testing grounds at Woomera Training Area in South Australia.
The exercise evaluated the Ghost Bat’s ability to perform in a new environment, focusing on deployment logistics, system functionality, and mission readiness.
The MQ-28A was airlifted to Tindal from the Australian International Air Show aboard a C-17 Globemaster.
Exercise Carlsbad is part of a broader series of tests planned for this year to further develop and validate the Ghost Bat’s operational performance.
Designed to operate alongside crewed aircraft, the uncrewed MQ-28A enhances situational awareness and mission survivability, offering capabilities comparable to manned fighter jets.
He emphasized the success of the exercise as a testament to the close collaboration between the Royal Australian Air Force and Boeing Defence Australia.
