- Construction on Boeing's MQ-28 Ghost Bat production facility gets underway
- Creation of 200 construction jobs and 100 highly skilled operational positions
- Boeing Australia's uncrewed aircraft could boost Queensland's economy by $1 billion over 10 years
The start of early works for the construction of Boeing Australia's new production facility for its MQ-28 Ghost Bat uncrewed combat aircraft is underway.
Supported by the Miles Labor 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 9,000 square metre 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 Australian Government has partnered with Boeing Australia throughout the aircraft's development in recognition of its future significance for our defence force.
The Ghost Bat is a Collaborative Combat Aircraft with fighter-like performance and, in addition to acting as a loyal 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.
Quotes attributable to the Deputy Premier, Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment Cameron Dick:
"For the first time in more than 50 years we are going to build combat aircraft in Australia, but this time it will be in Queensland.
"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.
"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 in Queensland of this project could be up to $1 billion over 10 years."
Quotes attributable to Scott Carpendale, Vice President Boeing Global Services – Government Services, Asia Pacific region:
"Our over 30-year strong 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."
Explainer/fast fact and or further information:
- Learn more about the Queensland Government's investment programs and the high impact projects that are creating jobs now and into the future.
- Read Defence Jobs Queensland's strategies to grow its defence industries and aerospace sectors.
