Construction begins on new Boeing MQ-28 production facility in Queensland

Construction has begun on Boeing’s new production facility in Toowoomba, Queensland, to support the manufacture of Australia’s first military combat aircraft designed and developed in over 50 years – the MQ-28 Ghost Bat.

The 9,000m² facility at the Wellcamp Aerospace and Defence Precinct is expected to be operational in the next three years. The MQ-28 production facility will bring new aerospace skillsets and technologies, such as advanced composites manufacturing and robotics to Queensland. It will include aerospace manufacturing capabilities, including carbon fibre composites manufacture, along with advanced robotic assembly for major components, and final assembly and test capabilities.

The Ghost Bat is a Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) with fighter-like performance and, in addition to acting as a loyal wingman to crewed and uncrewed aircraft, it is designed to support Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions, said Queensland Deputy Premier and Minister for Trade and Investment Cameron Dick.

“For the first time in more than 50 years we are going to build combat aircraft in Australia, but this time it will be in Queensland,” he added. “The Ghost Bat is a momentous project for Queensland’s future and for Australia’s sovereign capabilities. A project of this magnitude firmly establishes Queensland as Australia’s prime location for significant, high-tech, advanced manufacturing projects.”

“Boeing Australia is investing to bring this innovative, uncrewed capability to market in the timeframe that supports our customers’ future needs,” said Amy List, managing director, Boeing Defence Australia. “The MQ-28 is designed to transform air combat and provide affordable mass for Australia and our allies.”

“We’re partnering with the Queensland Government and Wagner Corporation to build Boeing’s first final assembly facility outside of North America – which is indicative of our global focus and a continued commitment to a sustainable and robust Australian aerospace industry.”

Wagner Corporation will develop and manage construction of the facility at their Toowoomba precinct using sustainable construction methods, and work with Boeing to incorporate renewable technologies and human-centric design.