Germany has shifted course on its tactical unmanned aerial system (UAS) modernization, informing Boeing that it will no longer directly purchase the MQ-28 Ghost Bat autonomous aircraft.
A Boeing spokesperson verified the decision to Breaking Defense after it was first reported by Politico, stating that the company “stands ready to support” its German customer on next steps.
Berlin’s national defense agency declined to discuss the specific cause of the procurement’s reversal, but cited contracting laws and parliamentary review requirements.
Delayed CCA Fielding, Potential Bids
The decision postpones the NATO country’s goal to field its own Collaborative Combat Aircraft by 2029, a milestone that would have made it the first European nation to deploy a “loyal wingman” technology.
The original plan, which centered on a fast-track approach, relied on a direct government acquisition of Boeing’s Australian-developed Ghost Bat, paired with a local partnership involving defense giant Rheinmetall.
Sources indicate that the operational timeline has been moved into the early 2030s, with competitive flight tests now scheduled to begin in 2027.
Meanwhile, other contenders are now showing interest to fill the gap, including German tech firm Helsing with its CA-1 Europa platform, as well as Airbus and Kratos with their XQ-58A/U740 Valkyrie airframe.
General Atomics is also positioning its Gambit family of tactical UAS for the bid.