Rheinmetall showcases MQ-28 Ghost Bat autonomous drone at ILA airshow
Rheinmetall is exhibiting the MQ-28 Ghost Bat autonomous aerial system at ILA Berlin Airshow. Developed in collaboration with Boeing, the platform is designed for collaborative combat missions alongside manned fighter jets.
German technology group Rheinmetall is presenting the MQ-28 Ghost Bat autonomous aerial system at the ILA 2026 Berlin Airshow. This "collaborative combat aircraft" (CCA) is designed for manned-unmanned teaming operations with piloted fighter aircraft in contested airspace.
The system, developed by Boeing Australia, has already completed over 150 test flights. Its modular architecture allows for rapid adaptation to various mission profiles, including reconnaissance, electronic warfare, or as a weapons platform.
Rheinmetall is pursuing a strategic partnership with Boeing for the German Air Force's planned CCA procurement, targeting introduction by 2029. The company aims to serve as the national system manager, handling customer-specific modifications, operational support, maintenance, and logistics within Germany.
The exhibit highlights the ongoing shift towards integrating autonomous systems into air forces, enhancing situational awareness and combat effectiveness through advanced technology.