Early works are now underway on the construction of Boeing Australia’s new facility for the production of its MQ-28 Ghost Bat uncrewed combat aircraft.
Supported by the Queensland Government, the establishment of this facility at Toowoomba’s Wellcamp Aerospace and Defence Precinct is a significant investment by Boeing and a strong commitment to their future in Queensland.
Construction of the 9,000m² facility is being undertaken by Wagner Corporation on Boeing’s behalf.
As the first combat aircraft designed, engineered and manufactured in Australia in over 50 years, the Federal Government has partnered with Boeing Australia throughout the aircraft’s development in anticipation of its future significance for Australia’s defence force.
The Ghost Bat is a Collaborative Combat Aircraft with fighter-like performance and, in addition to acting as a wingman to crewed and uncrewed aircraft, it is designed to support surveillance, intelligence and reconnaissance missions.
Following early works, construction of the production and final assembly facility will commence later this year and is expected to be complete by 2027.
Development of the facility will support about 200 construction jobs with the production facility expected to create at least 100 highly skilled advanced manufacturing jobs.
Queensland Deputy Premier, Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment, Cameron Dick, said that the Ghost Bat is a momentous project for Queensland’s future and for Australia’s sovereign capabilities.
“A project of this magnitude firmly establishes Queensland as Australia’s prime location for significant, high-tech, advanced manufacturing projects,” Mr Dick said.
“The 100 highly skilled operational jobs here in Toowoomba once production commences in 2027 will be in addition to Boeing’s considerable Queensland workforce that currently stands at around 2,400 people.
“It’s estimated the economic benefit to Queensland of this project could be up to $1 billion over ten years.”
Vice President of Boeing Global Services – Government Services, Asia Pacific region, Scott Carpendale, said that Boeig’s over 30-year long partnership with the Queensland Government has resulted in a number of cutting-edge Boeing systems and technologies being developed in the region.
“The groundbreaking of the MQ-28 production facility reinforces Boeing’s confidence in the local defence and aviation industry, and we’re excited about the opportunities that will come from this next exciting step in our partnership with the Queensland Government.”