Rheinmetall and Boeing Australia have entered into a strategic partnership. The aim is to use the MQ-28 Ghost Bat as a solution for the planned procurement of a Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) – an unmanned combat aircraft – by the German Armed Forces by 2029.
The MQ-28 Ghost Bat from Boeing has already completed over 150 flights. It was built in Australia for the Royal Australian Air Force as well as for other allied nations and is also manufactured there.
As a CCA, it is intended to be a kind of multiplier for air forces. Its modular design and autonomous capabilities enable a wide range of applications, including reconnaissance, electronic warfare and the integration of weapon systems.
Rheinmetall responsible for system integration
As part of the partnership, Rheinmetall will act as system manager for the MQ-28 in Germany. The company will oversee system integration into existing and future Bundeswehr command and control and weapon systems as well as adaptation to national requirements. Rheinmetall will also provide operational, maintenance and logistical support.
“With Boeing Defence Australia as a partner, we are laying the foundation for optimally tailoring the MQ-28 to the requirements of the Bundeswehr,” said Armin Papperger, CEO of Rheinmetall AG. “As a system integrator, we ensure that integration, operation and further development are carried out from a single source and at the same time strengthen industrial value creation in the form of an industrial hub in Germany and Europe. We see sales potential for Rheinmetall in the triple-digit million euro range.”
Digital environment for new software and hardware solutions
The strategic partnership ensures national value creation and security of supply in Germany. The open, modular system architecture of the MQ-28 Ghost Bat enables continuous upgrades and rapid expansion of capabilities. Rheinmetall will provide a dedicated digital environment where engineers from Germany and Australia can jointly develop, test and validate new software and hardware innovations.
“This is not just a partnership between our companies, but between two major countries – Germany and Australia – that have similar strategies for integrating fighter aircraft into their air forces,” said Brendan Nelson, president of Boeing Global. “As part of our collaboration, German industry will draw on years of Australian innovation and investment to introduce and further develop the MQ-28 for the Bundeswehr.”
MQ-28A Ghost Bat: Australien setzt auf unbemannte Kampfflugzeuge
About the Boeing MQ-28 Ghost Bat
The MQ-28 Ghost Bat has been developed by Boeing in Australia over the past eight years. It is considered one of the world’s most mature CCAs and is expected to provide Germany with air-to-ground capabilities by 2029. Designed specifically to support the integration of third party capabilities, it is modular and adaptable to meet changing requirements – both in terms of mission systems and industrial requirements.
The MQ-28 has already provided the Royal Australian Air Force with operationally relevant capabilities. Most recently, this culminated in a unique demonstration in which an air target was autonomously attacked and destroyed.
Here for further news about Rheinmetall, here to further news about Boeing and here for further reports on the Bundeswehr
