DingoBorat
Slim
"More than 55 Australian companies are contributing to the Ghost Bat program, with 70 per cent of program spending going to local industry"Bit of news on the Loyal Wingman/Ghost Bat front, autonomous flight:
Funding boost for lethal Ghost Bat drone project as defence minister confirms new armed drone will be introduced this year
https://www.msn.com/en-au/news/aust...E&cvid=0d170d6854414868969b25777a8e0956&ei=59
Australia will introduce a new armed drone into service this year, which is expected to be similar to the technology being widely used in the Ukraine war.
Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy has confirmed work is underway on the secretive project, while unveiling a $400 million boost to a much larger unmanned aircraft program known as "Ghost Bat".
...
On Friday, Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy is expected to detail a significant further investment in the program, which is the first military combat aircraft to be designed, developed and manufactured in Australia in more than half a century.
The MQ-28A, or Ghost Bat, is a next-generation Collaborative Combat Aircraft that involves 55 Australian companies and has already received $600 million in public funding.
In March last year, the government agreed to a Defence Strategic Review recommendation to prioritise the MQ-28A program for collaborative development with the United States, meaning it can more easily share classified information with Australia's closest military ally.
Two years ago, MQ-28A conducted its first secretive test flight at Woomera, and the ABC has now obtained vision of a more recent training exercise involving the aircraft at an undisclosed location in Australia.
Loyal defence 'wingman' drones get extra $399 million
https://www.msn.com/en-au/news/aust...TE&cvid=effe758eaa19451fa1f089760259dff6&ei=3
Funding for a next-generation drone that will act as "loyal wingman" for the Australian Defence Force will be boosted by $399 million.
Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy on Friday announced the extra money for the development of the Ghost Bat uncrewed aircraft, building on a preview investment of $600 million and taking the total spend to almost $1 billion.
...
The next phase of the Ghost Bat program is to develop technology to allow the drone(s) to work together and with other crewed aircraft, including the Super Hornet or Wedgetail to complete missions as one team.
The Ghost Bat is being designed to act as a "loyal wingman" by protecting and supporting Australian military assets and pilots.
Mr Conroy said he expected the drones to be tested at a demonstration exercise next year.
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton said the coalition backed the investment.
"There's not only sort of a domestic benefit but this will enhance our global reputation," he told Nine's Today.
"It's a great outcome and we support it very much."
Under an agreement with the US, technology will be shared between the two countries to help fast-track the aircraft's manufacture.
More than 55 Australian companies are contributing to the Ghost Bat program, with 70 per cent of program spending going to local industry.
Among other things, Ghost Bat is supposed to take one for the team, but what if "I'm sorry Dave ... "
So are we still considered an Australian Company, or an American Company listed on the Australian Stock Exchange, seeing as our Headquarters are in California?
