F-15EX flies with MQ-28 Ghost Bat in Valiant Shield 26 human-machine teaming demo

Photos from Valiant Shield 26 show a USAF F-15EX operating alongside the MQ-28 Ghost Bat, illustrating an emerging concept where the two-seat F-15EX acts as a controller/battle manager for Collaborative Combat Aircraft. While integration details aren’t disclosed, the exercise pairing signals practical progress toward manned-unmanned teaming and distributed C2 in the Indo-Pacific.