Australian MQ-28 Ghost Bat unmanned fighter is being increasingly promoted for supply to Germany. For this, Boeing is teaming up with Rheinmetall to provide new capabilities to the Bundeswehr by 2029.
Both companies entered into a strategic partnership that will include adapting the UAV to German military requirements. A local center and infrastructure for integrating as well as testing new systems will also be created.
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There's also mention of strengthening Germany's industry, creating added value, as well as securing supply. One can therefore assume this will include drone localization, though this isn't stated directly.
Overall, this is a logical continuation after German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius announced possible MQ-28 Ghost Bat procurement during a visit to Australia. The groundwork for realizing this is now being created.
Moreover, earlier they wanted to purchase this variant immediately, but now they've returned to a competition. In other words, the Bundeswehr is now looking for a full-fledged unmanned fighter-bomber that can independently perform missions, including striking targets.
However, other competitors have already started adaptation processes earlier. Airbus is integrating its mission management system into the XQ-58A Valkyrie UAV from American company Kratos. It should fly in modified form as early as 2026. European companies Helsing and Grob are also creating their CA-1 Europa.
Currently, Germany plans that initial operational capability with unmanned fighters will be achieved in 2029. In other words, procurement must be conducted in the near future, reducing the window of opportunities for the three candidates.
Ghost Bat, unlike competitors, has the advantage of already having fired AIM-120 air-to-air missiles and being ordered for Australia itself. In other words, this is already at least a partially finished product with already available functionality.
Australians also reported on possible integration of European weapons into the MQ-28. This could mean those same Meteors, thanks to which air targets can be engaged at distances over 200 km.
UAVs that will work as wingmen to manned platforms are the Bundeswehr's attempt to obtain sixth-generation aviation capabilities. This is against the backdrop of the collapse of the joint FCAS project with France and Spain, which they're now desperately trying to save.
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