Images show a U.S. Air Force F‑15EX Eagle II from the 85th Fighter Squadron operating alongside a Boeing‑built MQ‑28 Ghost Bat unmanned aircraft during the 2026 "Steadfast Shield" exercise over the Philippine Sea. The MQ‑28 is Australia’s first combat‑capable jet‑drone, developed by Boeing’s Australian division under the Collaborative Combat Aircraft program. It boasts a range of over 3,700 km, modular architecture for sensors and payloads, low radar cross‑section and AI‑driven capabilities for reconnaissance, electronic warfare, strike missions and close cooperation with manned fighters as a wing‑man. Australia is currently the only official operator, having received more than ten test and pre‑production units. The U.S. Air Force has been evaluating the Ghost Bat for operational use and integration with aircraft such as the F‑15EX and F‑35, though no formal procurement contract has been announced yet.