The MQ-28 Ghost Bat took half in a flight with the F-15EX and a proof-of-concept FARP operation as a part of the Experimental Operations Unit’s actions throughout Valiant Defend 2026.
The Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) launched new undated photographs from Train Valiant Defend 2026, exhibiting that the MQ-28 Ghost Bat flew along with the F-15EX Eagle II. The milestone flight reworked into actuality Boeing’s idea artworks which urged the purpose of getting the 2 platforms work collectively in Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) operations.
“An MQ-28 Ghost Bat and U.S. Air Drive F-15EX Eagle II participated in Train Valiant Defend 2026 over the Philippine Sea, demonstrating the way forward for human-machine teaming within the theater,” mentioned PACAF in a submit on social media. “Uncrewed methods act as a drive multiplier, extending the attain and effectiveness of human pilots.”
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It’s unclear if crew of the F-15EX, assigned to the eighty fifth Check and Analysis Squadron, took management of the MQ-28 in the course of the flight. It must be famous that the service’s fighter jets already took management of drones throughout previous exams, thus the opportunity of the F-15EX controlling the MQ-28 shouldn’t be excluded.
Furthermore, within the press launch saying the MQ-28’s involvement in Valiant Defend final month, PACAF mentioned “the uncrewed MQ-28 will fly in live performance with crewed fighter platforms, offering a essential alternative for the joint drive to refine techniques, strategies, and procedures for this subsequent evolution of airpower.”
Take a peek into the longer term.
With the F-15EX’s future manned-unmanned teaming capabilities supported by a complicated cockpit system, communication networks and two-seat configuration, the superior fighter might function a battle supervisor and joint all area command and management. pic.twitter.com/07oRhGdIjV
— Boeing Protection (@BoeingDefense) September 4, 2025
The MQ-28 was deployed to Rota, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, in the course of the train. The particular plane is a manufacturing consultant airframe, which is supplied with an Infra-Crimson Search and Observe (IRST) system.
Whereas at Rota, the MQ-28 additionally took half in a proof-of-concept Ahead Arming and Refueling Level (FARP) operation for Collaborative Fight Plane (CCA) on June 28. The operation was supported by a HC-130J Fight King II and Airmen assigned to the 79th Rescue Squadron, alongside members of the Royal Australian Air Drive and the Experimental Operations Unit (EOU).
The involvement of the EOU is notable because it was activated in June 2025 at Nellis Air Drive Base, Nevada, to speed up the introduction of CCA. The function of the EOU can be to develop the preliminary techniques, strategies and procedures wanted to make sure CCAs are built-in within the fleet and tactically viable for future conflicts.
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The unit lately performed a spherical of testing with the YFQ-44A at Edwards Air Drive Base, California. The service mentioned the unit “executed a sequence of sorties that refined core operational and logistical procedures for deploying and sustaining CCA in a contested atmosphere.”
With PACAF confirming the involvement of the EOU, it’s seemingly the participation to Valiant Defend 2026 was a part of a brand new spherical of testing which used the MQ-28 as surrogate for the FQ-42 and FQ-44. The Air Drive lately awarded manufacturing contracts for the 2 CCAs.
F-15EX Visits Kadena Once more
The identical F-15EX which flew with the MQ-28 additionally arrived at Kadena Air Base, Japan, on June 29, 2026, accompanied by two F-15E Strike Eagles. The go to, whose period is unknown, may need occurred after the flight with the MQ-28, as Valiant Defend formally ended on July 1.
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That is the second time an F-15EX is deployed to Kadena as the bottom prepares to obtain its completely assigned Eagle IIs. As we reported up to now right here at The Aviationist, the bottom is transitioning from the F-15C/D Eagle to the brand new F-15EX Eagle II.
The 67th Fighter Squadron can be Kadena’s first operational F-15EX unit, adopted by the forty fourth Fighter Squadron. A complete of 36 new fighters is predicted to be delivered there beginning subsequent 12 months, in response to Air Drive Secretary Troy Meink.
“The F-15EX represents the subsequent chapter of airpower at Kadena,” mentioned U.S. Air Drive Brig. Gen. John Gallemore, 18th Wing commander. “Our Airmen have the chance to coach with the plane, construct confidence in its capabilities and guarantee we’re able to challenge lethality and combine into operations as we proceed offering fight energy in assist of a free and open Indo-Pacific.”
Valiant Defend
Valiant Defend is a biennial, multinational, joint train centered on integrating the joint drive in a multi-domain atmosphere. The train brings collectively forces from the U.S. Air Drive, Navy, Marine Corps, Military, and House Drive, alongside regional allies and companions, to coach throughout an unlimited geographic space within the Pacific.
First established in 2006, Valiant Defend has developed into one of many largest and most refined navy workouts within the Pacific. This displays the rising emphasis on joint and mixed operations in response to an more and more contested safety atmosphere.
“Valiant Defend demonstrates our enduring dedication to a free and open Indo-Pacific,” Adm. Steve Koehler, commander of U.S. Pacific Fleet. “Exercising superior multidomain capabilities with our allies ensures we proceed to seamlessly innovate and function collectively, challenge fight energy collectively and prevail over any problem – collectively.”
The train sometimes options a variety of belongings, together with fighter plane, bombers, aerial refueling tankers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) platforms, naval floor combatants, submarines, amphibious forces, and superior command-and-control methods. “This routine coaching fosters real-world proficiency in sustaining joint forces by means of detecting, finding, monitoring, and fascinating models at sea, within the air, on land, and in our on-line world in response to a variety of mission areas,” explains PACAF.
