The MQ-28 Ghost Bat participated in F-15EX flights and proof-of-concept FARP operations as part of the Experimental Operations Unit activities during Valiant Shield 2026.
The Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) has released new undated photos from Exercise Valiant Shield 2026, showing an MQ-28 Ghost Bat flying alongside an F-15EX Eagle II. The milestone flight was brought to life with Boeing concept artwork that sets out the goal of having both platforms operate together in manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T) operations.
“MQ-28 Ghost Bats and U.S. Air Force F-15EX Eagle IIs participated in exercise Valiant Shield 2026 in the Philippine Sea, demonstrating the future of human-machine teaming in theater,” PACAF said in a social media post. “Unmanned systems act as power multipliers, extending the reach and effectiveness of human pilots.”
It is unclear whether the F-15EX crew from the 85th Test and Evaluation Squadron flew the MQ-28 during the flight. The possibility of the F-15EX controlling the MQ-28 should not be ruled out, as US Air Force fighter jets have already controlled drones in past tests.
Additionally, PACAF said in a press release last month announcing the MQ-28’s participation in Valiant Shield that “the unmanned MQ-28 will fly in concert with manned fighter platforms, providing a significant opportunity for the joint force to improve tactics, techniques and procedures for the next generation of airpower evolution.”
Take a look into the future.
The F-15EX’s future manned-unmanned teaming capabilities, supported by advanced cockpit systems, communications networks and a two-seat configuration, will enable the superior fighter to act as battle manager and jointly execute all domain command and control. pic.twitter.com/07oRhGdIjV
— Boeing Defense (@BoeingDefense) September 4, 2025
The MQ-28 was deployed to Rota, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands during training. The aircraft is a production representative aircraft equipped with the IRST (Infra-Red Search and Track) system.
While at Rota, the MQ-28 also participated in a proof-of-concept Forward Arming and Refueling Point (FARP) operation for Cooperative Fighters (CCA) on 28 June. The operation was supported with HC-130J Combat King IIs and crews from the Air Force, Royal Australian Air Force and Experimental Operations Unit (EOU) assigned to the 79th Rescue Squadron.
EOU’s participation is notable as it was activated at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada in June 2025 to accelerate CCA adoption. The EOU’s role is to develop the initial tactics, techniques and procedures necessary to ensure the CCA is integrated into the fleet and tactically viable for future conflicts.
The unit recently conducted a series of tests with the YFQ-44A at Edwards Air Force Base, California. The military said the unit “conducted a series of sorties to improve key operational and logistics procedures for deploying and sustaining CCAs in a contested environment.”
With PACAF confirming the EOU’s participation, its participation in Valiant Shield 2026 is likely to be part of a new test round using the MQ-28 as a surrogate for the FQ-42 and FQ-44. The Air Force recently awarded production contracts for two CCAs.
F-15EX revisits Kadena
The same F-15EX that flew with the MQ-28 also arrived at Kadena Air Base, Japan, on June 29, 2026, along with two F-15E Strike Eagles. This visit, the duration of which is unknown, likely took place after the MQ-28 flight, as the Valiant Shield officially ended on 1 July.
The F-15EX is deployed for the second time as the Kadena base prepares to receive its permanently assigned Eagle II. As previously reported here aeronautical scientistThe base will transition from the F-15C/D Eagle to the new F-15EX Eagle II.
The 67th Fighter Squadron will be Kadena’s first operational F-15EX unit, followed by the 44th Fighter Squadron. A total of 36 new fighter jets are scheduled to be delivered starting next year, according to Air Force Secretary Troy Meink.
“The F-15EX represents the next chapter of Kadena Air Force,” said U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Gen. John Gallemore, 18th Wing commander. “Our Airmen have the opportunity to train with the aircraft, build confidence in its capabilities, and ensure they are ready to plan and integrate lethal strikes into operations as we continue to provide combat power in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific.”
brave shield
Valiant Shield is a biennial multinational joint exercise focused on integrating joint forces in a multi-domain environment. This exercise brings together the U.S. Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, Army, and Space Force along with regional allies and partners to train across a vast area of the Pacific.
First established in 2006, Valiant Shield has developed into one of the largest and most sophisticated military exercises in the Pacific. This reflects the growing importance on joint and combined operations in response to an increasingly competitive security environment.
“The Valiant Shield demonstrates our continued commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific,” said Admiral Steve Koehler, Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet. “By unleashing advanced multi-domain capabilities with our allies, we can continue to innovate and collaborate seamlessly, project warfighting power together, and overcome all challenges together.”
The exercise typically involves a wide range of assets, including fighters, bombers, aerial refueling tankers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) platforms, Navy surface combatants, submarines, amphibious forces and advanced command and control systems. “This routine training fosters real-world capabilities to sustain the joint force by detecting, locating, tracking, and engaging forces at sea, in the air, on the ground, and in cyberspace in response to a variety of mission areas,” PACAF explains.
