Germany drops fast-track plan to buy Boeing’s Australian MQ-28 combat drones, turning to a 2027 competition that could delay deployment

Germany has abandoned plans to fast-track a purchase of MQ-28 Ghost Bat combat drones from Australia after defense officials concluded that no available system fully meets the country’s operational requirements.

The Bundeswehr had considered buying at least 12 drones for more than €800 million, with deployment targeted by 2029. Berlin will instead begin a competitive evaluation in 2027, potentially involving Boeing-Rheinmetall, Airbus-Kratos and German startup Helsing. The change could push deployment until the early 2030s.