# Boeing says Germany will not directly buy its MQ-28 Ghost Bat
Breaking Defense reports Boeing’s account of Germany’s decision, but says aircraft tests could still give Boeing a chance to compete.
Published 2026-10-16 by TGOs. Canonical: https://tgos.io/news/2026/10/16/boeing-says-germany-will-not-directly-buy-its-mq/
Germany’s Ministry of Defence has formally notified Boeing it will not directly procure the MQ-28 Ghost Bat drone wingman, Breaking Defense reported Oct. 16, citing a company spokesperson.[1]
Germany’s 2029 target for fielding collaborative combat aircraft (CCA) now looks in doubt, according to Breaking Defense.[1] The outlet cited Politico’s reporting that Berlin will wait until the early 2030s for the capability.[1]
The ministry declined to discuss potential procurement projects in its response to Breaking Defense, citing procurement and public contracting law and the requirement that parliament address such matters first.[1] Boeing deferred questions about the reason to the ministry, Breaking Defense reported.[1]
Boeing Australia and Rheinmetall unveiled an MQ-28 at the Berlin Air Show on June 10, hoping to fly it for the German air force, Breaking Defense reported.[2] Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger told the outlet then that government negotiations were continuing.[2] If Germany wanted the aircraft by 2029, he said, he expected the final stage of contract negotiations would have to begin by the following year at the latest.[2]
## Why it matters
Aircraft tests starting in 2027 could give Boeing and other competitors a chance to be selected, according to Breaking Defense, which cited Politico for the test timing.[1] Breaking Defense expects other offers, including Helsing’s CA-1 Europa, and reports that the Airbus-Kratos U740-Valkyrie is also set to compete.[1]
## Sources
1. Breaking Defense: Germany changes course on plans to buy MQ-28 drone wingman: Boeing official (Oct. 16, 2026)
2. Breaking Defense: Drone wingmen face off at Berlin Air Show in race for German CCA (June 10, 2026)