Royal Australian Air Force has completed Exercise Carlsbad at Base Tindal in the Northern Territory, marking the first deployment of the MQ-28A Ghost Bat outside the Woomera Training Area. The exercise tested the aircraft’s ability to operate in a new environment and focused on logistics, system checks, and mission readiness. The MQ-28A was flown to Tindal via a C-17 Globemaster aircraft, and Exercise Carlsbad is part of ongoing trials to evaluate the Ghost Bat’s capabilities. The MQ-28A is an uncrewed aircraft that supports crewed platforms and enhances missions by improving situational awareness. Wing Commander Phillip Parsons emphasized the importance of the MQ-28A for saving lives and defending national interests.
