An artist's impression of Boeing's new MQ-28 production facility to be constructed in Toowoomba, Queensland. Source | Boeing Australia

Construction has begun on Boeing’s  (Brisbane, Australia) new production facility in Toowoomba, Queensland, to support the manufacture of Australia’s first military combat aircraft designed and developed in more than 50 years —  the MQ-28 Ghost Bat, a Loyal Wingman class stealth, multirole, unmanned combat aerial vehicle.

The 9,000 square-meter facility based in the Wellcamp Aerospace and Defence Precinct is expected to be operational in the next 3 years. The company’s latest investment in Australia will bring new aerospace skillsets and technologies, such as advanced composites manufacturing and robotics, to Queensland.

“Boeing Australia is investing to bring this innovative, uncrewed capability to market in the timeframe that supports our customers’ future needs,” Amy List, managing director, Boeing Defence Australia, says. “The MQ-28 is designed to transform air combat and provide affordable mass for Australia and our allies. We’re partnering with the Queensland Government and Wagner Corp. to build Boeing’s first final assembly facility outside of North America — which is indicative of our global focus and a continued commitment to a sustainable and robust Australian aerospace industry.”

Wagner Corp. will develop and manage construction of the facility at its Toowoomba precinct using sustainable construction methods, and work with Boeing to incorporate renewable technologies and human-centric design.

The MQ-28 production facility will include aerospace manufacturing capabilities, including carbon fiber composites manufacture, along with advanced robotic assembly for major components, and final assembly and test capabilities.