Diehl Defence joins German MQ-28 Ghost Bat Industry Team

Boeing expands its German MQ-28 Ghost Bat industry team with leading German primes Diehl Defence as well as Rohde & Schwarz. The new industry partners are set to explore German weapons integration, sensors and communications in the MQ-28 offer to the German Air Force. The MQ-28 Ghost Bat program is led by Boeing Defence Australia.

Diehl Defence attended a Boeing media event at ILA Berlin Airshow 2026, introducing the company as new partner to the German MQ-28 Ghost Bat industry team, next to partners Rohde & Schwarz and Rheinmetall. The Boeing MQ-28 is an uncrewed collaborative combat aircraft (CCA) designed to complement and extend advanced multi-mission air combat operations.

Boeing and ‘Team Ghost Bat Germany’ will support German national requirements. The share of Diehl Defence in this is weapons integration, such as the guided missile IRIS-T and future air-to-air effectors – if chosen by the Air Force – as well as technical support. This includes integrating German weapons into the MQ-28 as directed by the customer, providing technical data, product support as well as training, and contributing software elements that support air combat chains.

Diehl Defence is supporting Boeing’s MQ-28 presentation at ILA Berlin Airshow 2026 by contributing an IRIS-T air-to-air guided missile to the MQ-28 aircraft being on static display.

Amy List, Vice President and Managing Director of Boeing Defence Australia, said: “We’re bringing together the best of Australian and German innovation to be able to deliver the MQ-28 to the Luftwaffe by 2029. Welcoming Diehl Defence and Rohde & Schwarz to our team is a significant step forward — together, we’ll collaborate closely on development, testing, delivery and support to ensure maximum flexibility and German customization of this Australian-developed platform.”

Helmut Rauch, CEO of Diehl Defence, added: “At Diehl Defence, we are excited to join the ‘Team Ghost Bat Germany’, led by Boeing Australia, on the approach to offer the collaborative combat aircraft (CCA) MQ-28 to our home country customer. We are keen to contribute our expertise, especially in the field of air-to-ground weapons and guided missiles, as part of the solution for the current and upcoming challenges and requirements of the German Armed Forces.”