MQ-28 First Flight at Operational RAAF Base

•  MQ-28 deployed to RAAF Base Tindal
• Deployment provides strong foundation for integrating MQ-28 into Australia’s force mix

RAAF Base Tindal, Northern Territory, June 25, 2025 – For the first time, Boeing [NYSE: BA] and the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) have deployed to and operated the MQ-28 collaborative combat aircraft at an operational Air Force base.

Exercise Carlsbad at RAAF Base Tindal in the Northern Territory was a proof point for the autonomous aircraft’s ability to establish operations and deploy from any location, particularly unfamiliar environments.

“Boeing is well advanced in proving MQ-28’s operational capability and this is another significant milestone in demonstrating the utility of the aircraft across varying scenarios,” said Glen Ferguson, Boeing Defence Australia’s MQ-28 global program director.

The first mission at a deployed location was achieved within a seven day period in April to test and demonstrate the ability to deploy the capability in a C-17, establish and conduct operations and then redeploy within a short period of time.

“This deployment highlights the maturity of our program and provides a strong foundation for future capability demonstrations including teaming with crewed RAAF assets,” Ferguson said.

“It was also an opportunity for us to execute some of the elements required to integrate MQ-28 into the force mix including interacting with multiple Defence organisations and units.” 

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