Germany Eyes MQ-29 and Valkyrie Drones for Future Unmanned Fighter-Bomber Fleet

Germany is evaluating unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for its upcoming project of an unmanned fighter-bomber, capable of engaging in air combat alongside manned aircraft, conducting ground strikes, and returning home even after losing communication with control systems, Defense Express reported on February 20, citing German outlet Hartpunkt.

According to Hartpunkt, earlier plans to choose the MQ-29 Ghost Bat drone have been put on hold, with Germany set to assess additional market options.

Apart from the Boeing Ghost Bat, candidates now include the XQ-58A Valkyrie by American company Kratos, which Airbus has already selected, and another unnamed option. The German Ministry of Defense expects initial operational capability (IOC) by 2029.

While details of the third UAV option remain unclear, the military’s interest in a fighter-bomber UAV suggests a focus on reducing risks to pilots, especially for missions supporting ground troops or potential strikes deep into Russian territory, Defense Express wrote.

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This fits with a trend toward collaborative combat aircraft (CCA), like the Turkish Kizilelma drone’s bomb tests. The project also aligns with Germany’s plans to potentially replace its sixth-generation FCAS fighter program, which stalled due to disagreements with France.

Notably, two of the three UAVs under consideration are of American origin, raising speculation that the third choice may come from the EU. However, it is uncertain whether German companies such as Helsing and Grob will be able to develop a viable option in time for the 2029 target, Defense Express stated.

Earlier, a newly revealed jet-powered target drone developed by Quantum Systems in cooperation with Airbus Defence and Space may hold more relevance for Ukraine than previously understood.

The German drone manufacturer Quantum Systems, which maintains close cooperation with Ukraine, publicly introduced the RAT (Red Air Target) jet target drone.

It was reported that the system moved from initial concept to first flight in just six weeks—an unusually fast development timeline for an aerospace platform.

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