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MQ-28 Ghost Bat uncrewed test flight supports F-15EX operations, tanker refuels during Pacific Valiant Shield

The US Air Force flew the uncrewed MQ-28 Ghost Bat alongside an F-15EX during Valiant Shield exercises based in the Northern Mariana Islands. The MQ-28 also conducted airborne refueling from a HC-130J, demonstrating side-by-side teaming and sustainment with existing fighter and tanking assets in a live training scenario.

Discovered 2026-07-06T10:15:44.380916-07:00 | 2026-07-06T10:15:44.380916-07:00

Briefing

What Hype is tracking

  • Demonstrates operational teaming between an uncrewed tactical aircraft (MQ-28) and a fifth-generation-relevant fighter platform via side-by-side flying with an F-15EX during Valiant Shield.
  • Validates tanker-enabled endurance for MQ-28 using an HC-130J in a Pacific exercise environment, reducing reliance on fixed basing and supporting distributed operations.
  • Signals practical integration progress for Boeing’s uncrewed offering in USAF training cycles—an important gating item for future procurement and mission-system adoption.

Reported By

FlightGlobal
Sources Tracked
1
First Seen
2026-07-06T10:15:44.380916-07:00
Latest Update
2026-07-06T10:15:44.380916-07:00
Coverage
Defense

Sources

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