Boeing has opened a showpiece production facility in Toowoomba, Queensland, dedicated to Australian military aviation.
Located at the Wellcamp Aerospace and Defence Precinct, this new 9,000-square-metre facility is a highly secure base dedicated to the manufacture of the MQ-28 Ghost Bat, Australia’s first indigenous combat aircraft in over 50 years.
The MQ-28 Ghost Bat is an unmanned aerial platform designed for independent operation as well as with manned aircraft.
It will provide manned/unmanned teaming capabilities to improve the operational flexibility of the Royal Australian Air Force.
According to Boeing, the project highlights the company’s focus on delivering advanced aerospace technologies to Queensland.
The facility will also advance composite manufacturing and robotics in support of these capabilities.
Amy List, head of Boeing Defence Australia said the MQ-28 is transformative.
She cited as examples its ability to revolutionize air combat in a more cost-effective way for Australia and its allies.
It would be the first final assembly plant of Boeing outside North America.
Boeing is eager to have a global presence and sustain aerospace industries within Australia.
This facility is to be built in partnership with the Queensland Government and Wagner Corporation.
Wagner Corporation will lead development using sustainable construction techniques and renewable technologies.
The investment amounts to $400 million and hundreds of highly skilled jobs will be created for the MQ-28 Ghost Bat program.
This program develops the economic and defense infrastructures of the region, hence complementing aerospace capabilities in Australia.