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Germany Weighs Buying Australia’s MQ-28 ‘Ghost Bat’ Combat Drone

The interest signals a test‑first shift in German defense buying.

A MQ-28A Ghost Bat on the tarmac as an F-35A Lightning II taxis after a sortie during Exercise Carlsbad at RAAF Base Tindal. *** Local Caption *** The successful completion of Exercise Carlsbad at RAAF Base Tindal in April 2025 represents significant progress for the MQ-28A Ghost Bat capability - a collaboration between Boeing Defence Australia and the Royal Australian Air Force to develop a Collaborative Combat Aircraft. Defence continues to assess the MQ-28A Ghost Bat through systematic testing in both live and digital environments, and remains focused on demonstrating MQ-28A platform, payload and system capability in 2025. Achieving first flight in February 2021, MQ-28A Ghost Bat is the first combat aircraft designed in Australia in more than 50 years. Continued investment in uncrewed and autonomous systems, including collaborative combat aircraft like the MQ-28A Ghost Bat, increases integrated force lethality and survivability by integrating existing and emerging technologies.
The Ghost Bat drone is the first combat aircraft to be designed and made in Australia in 50 years. (Mick Tsikas/AAP PHOTOS)

Overview

  • Germany’s defense minister said the MQ‑28 purchase is under consideration during meetings with Australian leaders.
  • After viewing the drone in Queensland, he called it a serious competitor and said Berlin will decide as soon as possible.
  • Berlin wants large numbers of unmanned jets by 2029 and plans to test systems in the field before scaling up any buy.
  • The Ghost Bat is a “loyal wingman” that flies with crewed fighters like the F‑35, and Australia has funded about $2.3 billion, plans an initial six aircraft, and is building a factory in Queensland.
  • Australian sources say Canberra may allow technology transfer so Germany could build the drone in Europe, helped by the program’s lack of strict U.S. export controls.