Germany buying Australian made combat aircraft

Australia’s domestically developed MQ-28 Ghost Bat unmanned combat aircraft is emerging as a potential export candidate to Germany, as defence cooperation between Canberra and Berlin continues to expand amid evolving global security dynamics.

Germany is currently exploring the possible acquisition of the Australian developed MQ-28 Ghost Bat as part of its effort to field collaborative combat aircraft by 2029.

The potential deal gained momentum following a newly announced industrial partnership between Boeing Australia and German defence company Rheinmetall to jointly offer the drone to the German Air Force.

The partnership aims to provide Germany with a ready made autonomous combat aircraft solution while maintaining domestic industrial involvement, a key requirement in Berlin’s defence procurement strategy.

Recent reporting also indicates that Germany’s interest has progressed rapidly, moving from diplomatic discussions to a formal industrial bid within days, highlighting growing European interest in collaborative combat aircraft programs.

The potential Ghost Bat sale comes as Australia and Germany deepen defence ties across multiple areas, including missile production, armored vehicles, and space cooperation.

German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius recently visited Australia and inspected the Ghost Bat platform, with discussions also covering broader military cooperation agreements.

Germany is also taking delivery of Australian produced Boxer armored vehicles and has signed letters of intent to cooperate on missile warhead production, signalling a broader defence industrial partnership between the two countries.

The MQ-28 Ghost Bat is an autonomous “loyal wingman” aircraft designed to operate alongside crewed fighter jets such as the F-35, F/A-18, and E-7 Wedgetail, extending sensor coverage and reducing risk to pilots.

The potential German acquisition could provide the Ghost Bat program with a major European foothold, opening opportunities for additional NATO customers seeking lower cost autonomous combat aircraft.

Germany’s push to rapidly field uncrewed systems is driven in part by lessons from the war in Ukraine and the growing role of drones in modern warfare.

Germany is currently comparing multiple collaborative combat aircraft solutions, including European and domestic options, with the Australian platform viewed as a mature and deployable capability.

If Germany proceeds with procurement, Australian production facilities including new manufacturing infrastructure planned in Queensland could see expanded output to support export demand.

This would represent one of Australia’s most significant defence exports and further strengthen its domestic defence industry.

The MQ-28 Ghost Bat is the first military aircraft designed and developed in Australia in over 50 years, and an export deal with Germany would mark a major milestone for the country’s sovereign defence manufacturing capability.

While discussions remain ongoing, the growing partnership between Boeing Australia and Rheinmetall suggests Germany is seriously evaluating the Ghost Bat as part of its future air combat strategy.