Boeing does not consider relying on one large plant for producing MQ-28 Ghost Bat unmanned fighters a good idea. Instead they plan to deploy output at smaller enterprises in various countries.
MQ-28 program head Glen Ferguson reported this at press briefing, Breaking Defense writes. It is noted that thus localization will be conducted according to specific operator requirements and scaling drone output massiveness. Also this will help user countries retain control over UAV production and ensure operation even under global supply chain unavailability conditions.
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Here specifically partnership with German Hensoldt was announced, which together with Rohde & Schwarz and Rheinmetall will deploy industrial base for Ghost Bat for Bundeswehr.
Interestingly, Boeing noted urgency in unmanned fighter market, which can operate shoulder-to-shoulder with manned platforms. It is caused by russian-Ukrainian war and global rearmament trend.
Defense Express notes defense company haste is quite understandable, as countries are currently ready to spend colossal funds on rearmament. Thus manufacturers do not want to lose existing window of opportunity while everyone prepares to counter China, rashists and other threats. Especially when competitors only grow more numerous, as British Brontanax was recently presented.
Localization proposal in each country with adaptation to local requirements should help here too. Such control increase and local industry involvement is quite weighty argument, and in some cases — necessary condition.
Also worth mentioning that in EU they strongly insist on priority of local defense-industrial products instead of purchasing American due to desire to reduce U.S. dependence. So with localization Boeing may try to increase its chances.
Recall MQ-28 Ghost Bat is already tested and produced for Australia needs in Block 2 version, while recently updated Block 3 version was presented. Regarding weapons, unmanned fighter already fired AIM-120 air-to-air missile and integration of European assets is proposed.
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