By Mark Brook For Daily Mail Australia
Published: 23:34 GMT, 26 February 2019 | Updated: 23:34 GMT, 26 February 2019
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A top-secret Australian combat drone capable of carrying bombs will be unveiled on Wednesday after being constructed in secrecy.
Defence Minister Christopher Pyne will reveal the yet-to-be-named unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) at the Avalon aerospace trade show outside Melbourne.
The unmanned craft, which is roughly the size of a traditional jet fighter, was developed in Brisbane by aerospace giant Boeing in collaboration with RAAF and the Defence Department, ABC News reported.
A top-secret Australian combat drone (pictured) capable of carrying bombs will be unveiled on Wednesday after being constructed in secrecy
Defence Minister Christopher Pyne (pictured) will reveal the yet-to-be-named unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) at the Avalon aerospace trade show outside Melbourne
While details of the 'Loyal Wingman' project remain scant, it's understood the primary purpose of the drone is to conduct electronic warfare and reconnaissance missions in 'risky' terrain.
The UAV is said to be capable of flying up to several thousand kilometres, and can also carrying sensors or electronic warfare equipment on its underside.
An industry source told the publication the drone could also potentially be used to carry bombs one day.
While the drones aren't expected to be deployed until mid-2020, when they are, they could be used alongside existing RAAF aircraft such as the
