Steering Air Force into a new era of air power

Celebrating 40 years of distinguished service, Wing Commander Philip Parsons, affectionately known as “Budgie”, is leading the charge into the future of air combat, as the detachment commander of the Experimental Operations Unit.

CAPTION: Wing Commander Phil Parsons, from the Collaborative Autonomous Systems Project Office, speaks with aviators and representatives from Boeing about the capabilities of the Boeing MQ-28 at the Australian International Airshow 2025. Story by Flight Lieutenant Sharon Sebastian. Photo by Leading Aircraftman Campbell Latch.

“I’ve flown various aircraft, including the F-111 [Aardvark] and the F/A18 Super Hornet,” Wing Commander Philip Parsons said.

“And now I’m proud to be the first Air Force operator of the MQ-28A Ghost Bat.”

In 50 years, the MQ-28A Ghost Bat is the first combat aircraft of its kind, designed and developed in Australia.

The uncrewed Collaborative Combat Aircraft has been developed by Boeing Defence Australia and the Royal Australian Air Force.

“We have the ability to influence the design of the aircraft,” Wing Commander Parsons explained.

“It’s an amazing experience to work collaboratively with such a dedicated team.”

The MQ-28A Ghost Bat was named after an Australian native mammal known for its acute eyesight and echolocation abilities, mirroring the aircraft’s advanced sensor capabilities.

“The name was chosen through a competition held in 2021, and perfectly represents the aircraft’s mission to hunt and track its targets,” Wing Commander Parsons said.

“The aircraft has extended sensor ranges and augments the survivability and situational awareness of crewed platforms.

“A notable feature of the MQ-28A Ghost Bat is its mission-configurable nose section, which accommodates interchangeable sensors and payloads.”

This adaptability ensures the aircraft can be customised to fulfil specific mission requirements, rendering it a versatile asset within Air Force.

At 11.7 metres in length, 2.0 metres high with a 7.3 metre wingspan, the MQ-28A Ghost Bat boasts a range exceeding 2000 nautical miles and can achieve speeds compatible with fighter aircraft. The aircraft operates at altitudes up to 40,000 feet and is equipped with advanced payloads.

The Ghost Bat is operated by a single Launch and Recovery Operator and a Mission Execution Operator, both stationed within a Ground Control Station.

In addition, it can be controlled from airborne assets, facilitating seamless integration with existing Air Force platforms.

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