Plans to build a $260 million 'Ghost Bat' killer drone fleet, armed to protect fighter jets and carry out top-secret missions

World

AUSTRALIA is building a $260m (£206m) fleet of 'Ghost Bat' killer drones, armed to protect fighter jets and carry out secret missions.

As part of the “Loyal Wingman” project, the deadly UAVs are designed to carry massive payloads, defend fighter aircraft, evade air defense systems and conduct surveillance.

The secret killer drones are still being tested, but one day they may be able to take on fighter jetsCredit: Department of Defense

The state-of-the-art UAVs will cost just 10 percent of a manned aircraft, but will fulfill many of the same combat rolesCredit: Reuters

The MQ-28A Ghost Bat will be able to fly more than 3,700 km and is designed to fly as a partner with manned aircraft, including F-35s, Super Hornets and P-8 Poseidon reconnaissance aircraft.

As well as offering fighter jet-like performance, the 12 meter long drone would also be used for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance.

Nearly $400 million has already been spent on the top-secret project that built eight Ghost Bats.

It will be the first army fighter aircraft designed and manufactured in Australia over more than 50 years – with more than 55 companies involved in the project.

The joint venture of the Australian Air Force and Boeing Australia enters the next phase after successful prototype testing.

Defense Industry Secretary Pat Conroy said today: “I won't go into details about the nature of that drone for security reasons.”

He explained that the Australian Army, Navy and Air Force have been testing a “range” of unmanned systems that could be weaponized.

“But I want to assure everyone in this country that we spend a lot of time working on drones,” he said.

He explained that the still-secret armed drone will perform “combat roles” at about 10 percent of the cost of a manned aircraft.

A cooperation agreement was reached with the United States last year, which includes sharing classified information and technology about the drones.

At least one Ghost Bat has been spotted in the US, as the Pentagon is interested in seeing how drones can mate with fighter jets. Break defense reports.

It is believed that the US Air Force is looking to build a fleet of 1,000 unmanned collaborative combat aircraft (CCAs) that will fly into battle with fighter jets.

Since Russia on full scale invasionUkraine has become a leading pioneer in drone production and design and has helped them along the way win the so-called “War of the Drones”.

Their cheap and homemade kamikaze drones help out turn the tide of war, especially in the Black Sea, where they have helped destroy a third of the Russian fleet.

Ukraine'S “Sea Baby” Drones, which can travel 500 miles and carry 600 pounds of explosives, have been responsible for a wave of daring attacks on Russian ships in recent months. Putin's latest nightmare.

But things will get worse as Kiev builds a fleet of newly designed ships £355k 20ft Marichka “death drones” will soon be unleashed on Russian targets.

Ukraine is also about to unveil its program latest underwater robot drone that will help the nation wipe out Putin's last fleet in the Black Sea.