MQ-28 Makes History With First Autonomous Air-to-Air Missile Strike

2025-12-26 01:11:01

Abstract generation in progress

Boeing and Australia’s Royal Air Force have achieved a significant milestone in autonomous combat aviation. The MQ-28 Collaborative Combat Aircraft successfully completed an air-to-air weapon engagement—marking the first time an unmanned platform has independently destroyed a target using an AIM-120 AMRAAM missile while operating within an integrated network.

How the Coordinated Strike Unfolded

The mission demonstrated a new model of collaborative air operations. Three aircraft launched from separate bases and established a real-time tactical network. The E-7A Wedgetail airborne early-warning system took the lead, directing the MQ-28’s movements and providing command authority for the engagement. Meanwhile, a nearby F/A-18F Super Hornet fighter jet functioned as a sensor platform, identifying the fighter-class target drone and relaying critical targeting information.

The MQ-28 then executed a tactical repositioning maneuver before receiving final clearance from the E-7A operator. With authorization granted, the unmanned aircraft fired its Raytheon missile, successfully neutralizing the target. The entire engagement showcased seamless human-machine coordination across a distributed team.

A Game-Changer for Future Combat

This demonstration represents a watershed moment for autonomous warfare capabilities. “This is the first time an autonomous aircraft has completed an air-to-air weapon engagement with an AIM-120 missile, establishing the MQ-28 as a mature combat capable CCA,” according to Amy List, managing director at Boeing Defence Australia.

The implications are substantial. The MQ-28 now operates as a credible combat platform rather than a proof-of-concept, capable of integrating with legacy fighter jets and command systems. The trial involved coordinated efforts across Boeing, the U.S. Air Force, the Royal Australian Air Force, and supporting defense contractors, underscoring the international dimension of modern autonomous engagement development.

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