Boeing Company (BA) just hit a milestone that sounds like science fiction but is very much real: its MQ-28 Ghost Bat drone autonomously fired a missile and destroyed an aerial target, marking the first time an autonomous aircraft has pulled off an air-to-air kill with an AIM-120 missile.

The test happened December 9 at Woomera, Australia, where Boeing and the Royal Australian Air Force conducted a live-fire mission that could fundamentally change how air combat works. The goal was straightforward—test whether autonomous drones can actually work alongside crewed aircraft in real combat conditions. Turns out, they can.

The mission involved three aircraft launching from different bases: the autonomous MQ-28 Ghost Bat, a RAAF E-7A Wedgetail, and an F/A-18F Super Hornet. Together, they used an AIM-120 missile to take down a fighter-class drone target in what aviation types call a "joint strike mission."

How the Autonomous Strike Worked

Here's what makes this interesting: the Ghost Bat wasn't flying solo. During the mission, the crew aboard the E-7A Wedgetail assumed command of the drone, while the F/A-18F Super Hornet provided sensor coverage and tracked the target. Once everything locked into place, the MQ-28 repositioned itself, received engagement clearance from its human overseers, and fired the missile successfully.

"This is the first time an autonomous aircraft has completed an air-to-air weapon engagement with an AIM-120 missile," said Amy List, managing director at Boeing Defence Australia. She noted the mission shows how collaborative combat aircraft can enhance mission effectiveness, improve data sharing, and reduce risk to human pilots.

Why This Matters

According to Colin Miller, vice president at Boeing's Phantom Works division, the success proves the company's mission-autonomy infrastructure actually works as designed. The test demonstrates that collaborative combat aircraft like the MQ-28 can integrate seamlessly with both modern and future-generation aircraft using open system standards.

The Road to This Moment

Boeing and the RAAF began testing the MQ-28's core capabilities earlier this year under Capability Demonstration 2025, focusing on autonomous flight, target detection, and data sharing. The program hit its milestones months ahead of schedule, clearing the path for this first live-fire test. The Ghost Bat's modular payload design allows for rapid reconfiguration depending on mission requirements.

What Comes Next for Air Combat

This mission could make the MQ-28 a cornerstone of what military planners call manned-unmanned teaming. Air forces worldwide may soon deploy autonomous drones alongside crewed fighter jets for strike missions, surveillance operations, or escort duties—expanding combat capabilities while keeping fewer pilots in harm's way.

Despite the breakthrough, Boeing shares barely moved on the news, trading down just 0.05% to $206.16 on Tuesday.