10/06/2026 | Press release

The highlight at the Rheinmetall booth during this year’s ILA Berlin is the MQ-28 Ghost Bat autonomous aerial system. As a cutting-edge “collaborative combat aircraft” (CCA), the platform is specifically designed for manned-unmanned teaming with piloted fighter aircraft in highly contested airspace. Developed by Boeing Australia, the system has already completed over 150 test flights and impresses with its high level of technological maturity. Visitors to the trade show can see for themselves the system’s consistently modular architecture. This design allows for rapid and flexible adaptation of the aircraft to a wide variety of mission profiles, such as reconnaissance, electronic warfare, or deployment as an effector carrier/weapons platform. 

The exhibit underscores the strategic partnership between Rheinmetall and Boeing for the implementation of the Bundeswehr’s planned CCA procurement by 2029, in which Rheinmetall is positioning itself as the responsible national system manager. The technology group will handle customer-specific modifications in accordance with German specifications, as well as comprehensive operational, maintenance, and logistical support directly      within the country.