– Diehl Defense and Rohde & Schwarz join Rheinmetall on Boeing’s German MQ-28 Ghost Bat industrial equipment
– New industry partnerships to explore the integration of German sensors, communications and weapons in the MQ-28 offering to the German Air Force.
BERLIN, June 10, 2026 –Boeing [NYSE: BA] has welcomed two additional industrial partners at the ILA Berlin Air Show to expand its German MQ-28 Ghost Bat industrial team. They join strategic industry partner Rheinmetall, who will play a leading role in Boeing’s industrial team as German technology systems integration partner for the MQ-28.
The MQ-28 Ghost Bat program, led by Boeing Defense Australia, has grown to include partnerships with a team of top German aerospace stars: Diehl Defense and Rohde & Schwarz.
Boeing and its MQ-28 industrial team will support German national requirements, including:
- Diehl Defense will explore weapons integration and technical support. This includes integrating German weapons into the MQ-28 as directed by the customer, providing technical data, product support and training, and contributing software elements that support air combat chains.
- Rohde & Schwarz will contribute to the integration of mission and communications systems with other Bundeswehr command and weapon systems, ensuring customized adaptations to meet German national requirements and providing operational, maintenance and logistical support for these systems.
Quote attributable to Amy List, Vice President and General Manager of Boeing Defense Australia:
“We are bringing together the best of Australian and German innovation to deliver the MQ-28 to the Luftwaffe by 2029. Welcoming Diehl Defense and Rohde & Schwarz to our team is an important step forward; together, we will collaborate closely on development, testing, delivery and support to ensure maximum flexibility and German customization of this Australian-developed platform.”
Quotes attributable to Armin Papperger, CEO of Rheinmetall:
“We are grateful to act as Boeing’s strategic partner in this program. As Germany’s leading supplier to the armed forces, we take responsibility within the Ghost Bat Germany team for the seamless integration of this autonomous combat drone into the Bundeswehr systems. As a trusted systems manager with a strong industrial base, we ensure expert support and technological value creation in Germany. Through this strong alliance, we are strengthening next-generation air defense.”
Quotes attributable to Helmut Rauch, CEO of Diehl Defense:
“At Diehl Defence, we are excited to join the Ghost Bat Germany team, led by Boeing Australia, in the approach of delivering the MQ-28 Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) to our home country.
customer. “We look forward to contributing our expertise, especially in the field of air-to-ground weapons and guided missiles, as part of the solution to the current and future challenges and needs of the German armed forces.”
Quotes attributable to Andreas Domann, vice president of Rohde & Schwarz’s multi-domain directional communications systems business:
“Rohde & Schwarz is committed to supporting secure, resilient and interoperable systems.
Communications for future airpower concepts providing broadband access to the combat cloud with the innovative Networked Multipoint Communications System (NEMACS). “Through this MoU, we look forward to exploring with Boeing how our expertise in communications, data sharing and mission systems could contribute to future collaborative fighter aircraft requirements, including potential MQ-28 opportunities in Germany and Europe.”
###
About Boeing
Boeing, a leading global aerospace company and the largest U.S. exporter, develops, manufactures and services commercial aircraft, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. Our workforce and supplier base in the U.S. and around the world drive innovation, economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing is committed to fostering a culture based on our core values of safety, quality and integrity.
Contact:
Boeing Media Relations
Media@boeing.com
